AT a meeting last week, Mid Devon District Council agreed to set up a shared service joint committee to enable its Building Control Service to be delivered in partnership with North Devon Council.

This had already been agreed at a meeting of North Devon’s Executive on December 5, 2016. This agreement means that the proposed partnership, which is due to be operational from April 2017, is a step closer. Once operational, the new and improved service will see Building Control officers working together to cover both districts.

The Mid Devon Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, Cllr Richard Chesterton said: “Both councils are on track to re-launch the Building Control service in partnership from April 2017. By Councils working together, it will provide a more efficient service that remains focussed around the needs of the customer.”

Leader of North Devon Council and Executive Member responsible for partnerships and shared services, Cllr Des Brailey, added: “It’s great news that we can now start to put together the shared service joint committee. Creating the joint service presents an exciting opportunity for both councils who have been working hard to get this far, the finishing line is now just around the corner.

“For North Devon this will be our first joint service which will benefit residents and officers in the long-term.”