IMPROVEMENTS to help make it easier for the public to speak at planning committee meetings have been introduced by Lancaster City Council.

Last year saw new arrangements introduced to enable objectors or applicants to planning applications to address the Planning Committee.

However, until now, the person who wished to address the Committee had to track the progress of the application themselves, by contacting the City Council.

Arrangements have now been reviewed and improved so that people who want to speak at Committee are notified by the Council of the date when the application will be heard.

Coun Dowding, Cabinet member for External Affairs said: "We have been aware that the system could be improved and I am pleased the council has taken steps to make public participation at planning meetings much more user friendly."