PEOPLE in Mid Cheshire are being encouraged to give their views on a charter which sets the standard for dealing with a range of planning applications, including waste, roads and schools.

Residents are being asked for their comments on the Development Control Charter created by the county council's Environmental Planning Service.

'This important document sets out our code of conduct and enshrines what local people, businesses and organisations can expect from our planning service,' said Steve Wilkinson, chairman of the development regulatory committee.

'We determine applications for mineral extraction, waste disposal and also the county council's own planning applications, which may involve, for example, libraries, changes to existing school buildings or new roads.

'Our new code of practice details various protocols which will be closely monitored, including publicity for planning applications and site visits carried out by committee members.'

Cheshire is one of the top five English county councils for determining nearly 40% of its minerals and waste planning applications in an eight-week period.

Comments are invited until Friday, January 12, and the document can be viewed at www.cheshire.gov.uk/planning/minwaste/charter.htm. Alternatively, call Amanda Williams on 01244 602912 or 01244 603117.