Concerns that planners are not keeping councillors – and therefore the public – in the loop has prompted a review.

A report by East Devon District Council that planning officers were not keeping ward members informed and councillors needed to take part in the planning process more. It was suggested that councillors should be given a chance to comment on applications three days before a decision was made

Extra training would enable councillors to better access information, while free pre-application advice to householders should be promoted online.