A DIRECTOR at a West Dorset estate agents has written to an MP to tackle the “unacceptable” waiting time on planning searches at West Dorset District Council. 

Mark Parker, director at Parker’s, which have offices in Bridport and Poundbury, has written to MP for West Dorset Sir Oliver Letwin, to try and resolve the issue. 

As reported in the Echo last year, returns on planning searches at West Dorset District Council were taking up to 17 weeks, and according to Mr Parker things aren’t getting any better. 

Earlier this year, another estate agent said the situation in West Dorset was the “worst in the country”.

In his letter, Mr Parker said that due to the searches there has been a reduction in agreed sales or sales have been collapsing further down the transaction process.

He spoke of his “deepest concerns and frustration” at the “unacceptable and detrimental” length of time it is taking. 

Mr Parker added that the time taken is “preposterous” when other local authorities turn the searches around in a maximum of two weeks. 

He added that the only other exception he knows is Weymouth and Portland Borough Council where the timescale is four to six weeks. 

The letter continues: “Locally and nationally, the reputation of the local authority and your party deteriorates and constant questions are raised about the efficiency, ability and motivation of those in a position to address the issue. 

“Aside from reputation, concerns for the District Council and your own party, this problem is directly and significantly affecting the people living and working within your constituency. 

“This is an issue of absurd scale presenting undue stress to buyers, sellers, legal firms, estate agents and council workers alike. As a local authority, charging one of the higher premiums for the search service, I feel that to a large extent the service should be self-funded and appropriately staffed.”

He added that as a consequence buyers and sellers are being left financially and emotionally disappointed and that buyers from outside the area are looking elsewhere.

Mr Parker told the Echo that he sent the letter with positive intentions, to try and solve the problem for the good of the local industry and people buying and selling houses.

Sir Oliver said: "This is a big issue for many of my constituents. I have been in constant communication with the District Council about their huge backlog of searches. 

"I'm glad to say that they are now making really serious efforts to clear away the backlog; but I hope they will put even more effort into this over the coming weeks, because we need to see the delays coming right down to much more acceptable levels."

Speaking in September WDDC said that it was aware of the challenges relating to the service but a number of improvement actions have been implemented and more measures are still be introduced.