Construction will be speeded up with new methods at the Department of Planning, home affairs minister Walter Roban revealed.

Mr Roban told the House of Assembly the planning director would be able to grant permission for some matters so that applicants would not have to wait for the Development Applications Board to assess their case.

Fast-track applications will be available for people building temporary structures such as season concession stands, while minor developments would be dealt with by a “common sense” approach instead of through the traditional planning process.

Mr Roban added that a new EnerGov system will mean applications can be made electronically.

• To read Walter Roban’s ministerial statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”