The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) hit 25% more of its key performance targets in 2007-08 than in the previous year.

Inspectors decided 21,769 planning appeal cases last year out of 25,915 total decisions made. Appeals received increased by 1% on the previous year up to 22,895.

Customer satisfaction increased to 81% and central targets on quality and timeliness, for planning appeals and enforcement appeals, were achieved for written representations and planning appeal inquiries.

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In addition the Planning Inspectorate reduced the backlog of its oldest cases reducing the time they took significantly.

PINS also halved the waiting time for setting public inquiry dates for planning appeals to just 10 weeks by the end of the year. The Inspectorate continues to support councils in getting their local plans up to the right standards.

Baroness Andrews said: "The Inspectorate continues to play a vital role for planning and it has made real progress in the past year. People know that they get a fair and impartial decision with each case based on their merits. The inspectorate must continue to deliver this responsive and transparent service to the public."

(CD)