A GOVERNMENT grant of £50,000 will speed up the number of new homes being built and boost businesses and jobs in the Taunton and Wellington area, it was claimed this week.
The money from the Site Delivery Fund will create a two-year post at Taunton Deane Council to help cut through red tape and get spades in the ground.
The award will focus on speeding up the discharge of planning conditions attached to applications as well as developer contributions at a number of major developments.
Cllr Mark Edwards, who holds the planning portfolio at Deane House, said: “This is very good news and I am pleased Taunton Deane has been successful in its bid from Government.
“This supports our growth agenda the results of which will be a boost to our local economy.”
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said the Deane was one of 60 local authorities receiving the cash to tackle bureaucratic hold-ups.
He added: “The money will help councils clear the way for builders to get on site and get work underway quickly, providing families with new homes and boosting local businesses and jobs.”
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