The turnaround time for processing building permits for planning applicants is speeding up, Environment Minister Sylvan Richards told MPs.In a prepared statement, Mr Richards said that in the first six months of the year, 44 percent of planning applications were determined within 12 weeks.“That’s up from 40 percent in 12 weeks in 2012. The average time taken to process planning applications has dropped to 10.2 weeks so far in 2013 from 12.7 weeks in 2012.“Our average response time to building and electrical inspection request remains an impressive 0.5 days,” said Mr Richards.“The more straightforward applications or minor works projects are ‘fast-tracked’ through the system as Permitted Development Permits, and in the first half of 2013, 29 percent of these were dealt with within 18 days.“Last year only 24 percent of the minor works projects were determined within 18 days. Overall, the average time taken to process all building permits — minor works, residential and commercial — has decreased to 4.9 weeks in the first six months of this year from 6.7 weeks in 2012.”The Minister noted that the Department takes a team approach for the larger projects of national interest, such as the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.But he said there is “always room for improvement” and that there are initiatives in the pipeline that will “greatly assist in shortening response times”.“Regular meetings with the Institute of Bermuda Architects will recommence in August, and we look forward to an open dialogue on enhancements all parties can bring to the table to ensure homeowners and developers deservedly receive good service,” he said.Moving forward he plans to introduce an amendment to the Development and Planning Act 1974 “that will delegate limited powers to the Director of Planning to approve straightforward, compliant applications”.Mr Richardson said: “The key word here is ‘compliance’. This is a power we view as appropriate to exercise by the Director only where an application meets the requirements of the development plan of the day.”And a new General Development Order that will expand the scope of work to be considered as a Permitted Development Permit will also be introduced.“Both of these steps will do much to modernise our planning legislation and pave the way for faster service to the public,” said the Minister.A new draft plan for the City of Hamilton will also be introduced by the department’s Forward Planning team later this year, to update the current plan which dates back to 2001.“Hamilton, as Bermuda’s business, cultural and entertainment hub, is the focal point for visitors and residents alike,” said the Minister.“A lot of background research and consultation with stakeholders has taken place over the past couple of years but, as the details of policy are formulated over the summer and into the fall, the Department will actively engage the community to make sure we get it right. I hope that everyone will be open to providing feedback and offering suggestions.”The most up-to-date information on the department’s programmes will be posted on the Department of Planning’s Facebook page.