Businesses in Wales are being hit by delays in planning appeals that are holding up investment.
Last year the staff and functions of Planning Inspectorate Wales transferred from English to Welsh Governments - with a new division called Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) set up.
But it wasn’t a smooth switch over with delays in the transfer of data - leading to a major backlog in the system.
One North Wales firm told Business Live it was now three months past the target deadline for their appeal but they were still waiting - with the delay hitting them in the pocket at an already difficult time.
Welsh Government said the backlog was now being tackled.
Jamie Bradshaw, director at chartered town planners Owen Devenport Ltd, said: “The recent delays in the registration and handling of appeals have been difficult for agents and appellants alike, as it has increased uncertainty for those seeking an appeal and made handling of the process more difficult for agents.
“While the current situation is of course difficult it is clear that it is vital that more resources are given to the Inspectorate to allow them to address the backlog, and also to ensuring the proper function of the planning system.”
A Gwynedd hospitality business, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s now three months past their deadline for a decision and we’ve heard nothing.
“Like a lot of businesses we took out a loan to finance our plans and each delayed month costs us money we can’t afford.
“We’re trying to recover from the covid losses and are left high and dry.”
A planning agent, who also asked not to be named over concerns it could impact their case, said: “This inordinate and unforseeable bureaucratic delay in issuing decisions, many months later than the supposed ministerial target date, results in acute mental anguish for appellants and objectors alike.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are working to address the backlog of appeals with decisions now being issued within the set target.”
They said that between four and six appeals are being dealt with per day with processing times continually improving daily.
Hearings and inquiries are taking longer to schedule but the backlog of cases is reducing, they added.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd member for Aberconwy, and Shadow Minister for Climate Change, previously wrote to the Minister for Climate Change to call for urgent action so that live appeals and casework can continue to be actioned.
She said: "The Welsh Government handling of the transition to PEDW is symbolic of bad management that is costing economic growth and business investment in Wales.
“Last October I highlighted the fact that the Welsh Government were overseeing a serious crisis as officials were without full access to the new casework system and documents, and as such, were unable to provide essential information on live appeals.
“In fact, an open letter by the Chief Planner at the Planning Directorate, warned of the potential situation on 15 July 2020. So, despite having over a year to properly plan, it is a disgrace that five months into the operation of PEDW, serious issues are being encountered.
“With an entrenched housing crisis across Wales, this farcical situation is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. The Minister must now apologise and arrange for extra resources to be given to empower PEDW to address the backlog and ensure the proper function of the planning system."
