In the council e-newsletter this week, the council mentions that they are repeating their “satisfaction survey” by asking 3,000 residents, randomly chosen, what they think.

They the mention last year’s survey and what they are doing about improving things.

Here is the extracy on planning.

Planning – residents said

49% of residents said the council doesn’t act on what residents say, mainly due to planning and development (stet – this doesn’t make any sense!)

16% said they were dissatisfied with planning services – the most common reason given was that the council doesn’t listen to what people say.

How the council has responded

They have:

Published an article in the summer edition of East Devon Connect setting out the planning process and use other communication channels to make residents aware

We are in the process of changing the letters sent out during the planning application process to help make them better understood and provide a better explanation why decisions are made
We have increased our communications about regeneration projects and developments particularly in Exmouth and Seaton.

So, there you are: EDDC is improving by: writing an article, simplifying paperwork for planning applications and, er, more press releases.

Anyone see the flaws in this? Do any if these things show that the council LISTENS?