The planning department at Cherwell District Council is too costly and needs to develop an understanding of value for money, according to an Audit Commission report.

The commission awarded the planning department one star out of three and described the service as 'fair' but with uncertain prospects for improvement.

In a report published this week, the commission's inspectors criticised the council, saying planning enforcement was poorly organised, and that the planning service was expensive with the council not having a clear understanding of value for money.

The commission said no clear improvement plans were in place to carry the service forward. The inspectors made a number of recommendations, including the preparation of a comprehensive improvement plan for the service, based on an understanding of customer needs.

They also said the council should also ensure that enforcement work was properly resourced and prioritised.

The council said: "CDC is pleased that it has been commended for the provision of good customer care and that it produces good environmental outcomes.

"Since the report was put together, the council has been focusing on developing its planning improvement implementation plan which will be considered by the executive in the new year."