A NORTH Yorkshire planning authority labelled one of the worst in the country is to "slim down" in its efforts to cut costs and improve efficiency.

Ryedale District Council's development control service received a damning Audit Commission report, stating it was too expensive, too slow and deserved no stars out of a possible three.

Now members have voted to axe one of the district's two planning committees, following recommendations that something had to be done to reduce delays and prevent costs spiralling out of control.

Councillor Allin Jenkins, chairman of the existing central area planning committee, welcomed the decision.

Councillors on the overview and scrutiny committee originally suggested switching to a one-committee system, but less than a month ago the policy and resources committee turned down the idea, said Coun Jenkins.

"I think it would be fair to say that members have reconsidered their positions in the light of the information presented to them from the Audit Commission," he added.

"I appreciate the problems some members have - they put a great deal of importance on the planning committee, but it is the planning issues that are important, not the political issues."

Under the new scheme 15 councillors will be picked for the streamlined committee, which will hold meetings every fourth Tuesday, starting on May 27.

Councillor Charles Scott, chairman of the Northern Area committee, said he had changed his position on the idea of one planning committee.

"I think that obviously we have got to do the best we can to try and make things as efficient as possible," he said.

"I was not too keen on having one committee covering such a large area in Ryedale, but I think it is worth trying for a trial period."

Coun Keith Knaggs was one of the few councillors to vote against the idea of a one-committee system.

"I know that the principle that your elected councillor can speak and vote on planning issues affecting his/her ward is very important to many of those I represent," he said.

"Just because Ryedale is different from everywhere else in this respect doesn't mean that Ryedale is wrong."

But Coun Knaggs said he did hope the year's trial would prove successful and improve the service offered to residents across the district."

Updated: 09:21 Tuesday, March 18, 2003