Efforts to improve efficiency at the Department of Planning have resulted in more applications being processed quicker.According to output measures listed in the Budget book 170 applications around 26 percent of all the applications received by the department were processed within three months, a significant improvement over the results of the two previous years.However, 291 planning applications, around 44 percent, had not been determined until 24 weeks after they had been submitted.Meanwhile, although the number of planning applications received fell, the number processed increased as the department worked through a backlog.In total, 464 planning applications have been received, and 663 have been processed in the 2010/2011 fiscal year.In a statement made after the Budget was released on Friday, Environment Minister Walter Roban said the Ministry would work to further improve service.“This year will see a renewed focus on customer service within the Department of Planning,” he said.“In order to safeguard all that makes Bermuda so special, care and time are required to consider applications for development. However, delays in decisions from the Department can have a significant social and economic impact on applicants.“During this next budget year, we will continue the steps the department has taken to enhance its customer service, while at the same time strengthening enforcement measures against planning violations.”lUseful website: www.gov.bm.