PEDW appeals backlog wanes but DNS casework is on the rise – The Planner

Backlog – 32 pixels, Shutterstock
However, it also admitted that the picture in respect of Developments of National Significance (DNS) was not so encouraging, partly because of a surge in applications.
In a statement PEDW said: “Changes we’ve made to our processes are having a positive impact on our appeals casework backlog. 
“We have reduced the overall number of cases waiting for allocation to an inspector from around 300 to 200, and delays with starting new appeals from 24 to 12 weeks. 
“There is still a backlog, but we are confident that timelines will continue to improve in the months ahead. 
“We continue to prioritise our householder, advert, and minor commercial appeal services. We are starting these appeals ahead of other casework.”
The agency also insisted that it was prioritising:
PEDW said all of its other casework will be dealt with in order of date of receipt (with the exception of a limited number of specialist cases). 
“We will aim to programme hearings and inquiry events as soon as possible after starting appeals. There will inevitably be delays due to workload and resource pressures,” explained PEDW. 
“We continue to work with stakeholders to choose and facilitate the most appropriate type of event. Virtual events are the preferred option unless there are clear reasons for in-person events. 
“Please wait until 12 weeks after receipt of an initial acknowledgment before enquiring about an appeal.”
PEDW added: “We are working hard to ensure our customers can remain assured of the quality of our work and doing all we can to address the casework backlog to allow us to return to normal time frames.”
The agency has admitted that it faces “significant workload pressures” which are affecting its ability to progress casework “at the pace we would want to”. It also revealed that it had experienced a “significant uplift” in the number of DNS applications and expected this stream of submissions to continue during 2024.
“This means there are likely to be delays to the acceptance and starting of DNS applications. In most cases we will not meet the standard four and six-week turnaround times for acceptance of non-environmental impact assessment (EIA) and EIA applications.
“To help us manage our resources, DNS applications must proceed based on the availability of inspector resources. We will only start examining DNS cases when an appropriate inspector can be appointed.”
This means that the time taken to start individual cases will vary, and PEDW says it will endeavour to provide realistic updates to applicants at the point of submission and expected start dates once they are known.
“We are working hard to build our resources by recruiting new inspectors and adopting new ways of working. However, it will likely be some time before these efforts come to fruition,” it added.
PEDW insisted that applicants could help by providing regular updates in the lead-up to their submission and ensuring that they follow guidance on how to submit the application.
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