Environment Minister Marc Bean has hailed improved processing times within the Department of Planning.He said a recent performance appraisal showed the average time for processing applications was 13.6 weeks in 2010-2011 compared to 12.6 weeks in 2011-12.He first announced news of the faster turnarounds in March, and revealed further details yesterday.“During the period 2010-2011, the department received 628 planning applications, and 422 applications for revisions,” he said.“On average, the processing time was 13.6 weeks for planning applications and 33 percent of the applications were determined in a 12 week period.“However, during 2011-2012, the department registered 624 planning applications and 376 applications for revisions. The average processing time for planning applications was 12.6 weeks, with 45 percent of the applications determined within a 12 week period.”He added that the department’s target is to process 55 percent of planning applications within three weeks.Mr Bean said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the staff of the Department of Planning who have worked diligently to ensure faster processing times for planning applications. The proof is in the pudding and I think these results speak for themselves.”Director of Planning Trevor Leach said: “The data indicates a continuing improving trend in the processing of planning applications as average processing time has improved annually over recent years. In particular, the percentage of applications processed within an eight- and twelve-week period has shown steady improvement.”He said the average processing time for building permit applications in 2011-12 was 5.9 weeks compared to 7.3 weeks the year before. The average response time to building and electrical inspection requests has also improved, according to Mr Leach.The Minister said: “It is important to note that further improvements can be expected as the department makes the necessary strides to put the various systems in place to not only improve performance but also to measure output across its various activities and services.”