The planning department at Oxford City Council is continuing to improve its planning application processing times.

Planning Minister Lord Falconer, who meets council leaders and planning staff on Thursday warned the planning department last year that it was one of the worst performers in the country and needed to improve.

In October, the council was set a target to process 65 per cent of applications within eight weeks by March 2002.

During the last quarter (January-March), the planning department processed 71 per cent of applications within eight weeks.

Cllr Colin Cook, the executive member with responsibility for planning, said: "I am delighted with these results, which show how much effort our staff have made. I look forward to continued high levels of service from our planning team for the people of Oxford." Cllr Cook is confident that the minister will be happy with the department's improved performance. He said: "These figures show that our performance has significantly improved over the past year."

Cllr Cook wants to see 12 committee meetings instead of six, with planning issues separated from other matters.

Roy Thompson, city council planning control manager, said: "I am delighted that we have not only exceeded the minister's targets, but have managed to improve our performance month on month and maintain the quality of decision-making."