The Government has taken control of making decisions on major planning applications from Uttlesford DC.

It made the move after an assessment last year found the proportion of major applications overturned at appeal was more than 10%, one of the three national key planning indicators.

Under the move, applications for major development can be made directly to the Planning Inspectorate.

A statement from the council pledged to make the 'substantial improvements necessary' to its planning function.

It read: 'Both the ongoing improvements to the planning service and the emergence of a new Local Plan are critical to the successful future of the district, and the council is already making steady and welcome progress in the right direction.'