Brighton and Hove City Council's planning department is undergoing a major review and not before time.

There are plenty of problems for people who want to carry out developments in Brighton and Hove through the high cost of land and a severe shortage of it.

What they don't need, but too often get, is further delay caused by difficulties with council planners.

Some delays are inevitable when councillors are dealing with major or complicated schemes, such as the Brighton and Hove Albion community stadium or the Brighton station site.

There can also be problems with listed buildings or conservation areas and the city has a large number of these. It is important to get things right.

But too often people are finding simple applications for home extensions, or even putting in new windows, are taking an inordinate amount of time.

There are signs of improvement. Brighton and Hove has been near the bottom of the list for taking time in dealing with applications but is doing better now.

There's no doubt the department has been under enormous strain and more staff are needed to cope with an increasing workload caused by the city's prosperity.

But more fundamental changes are needed, including a realisation by the council that efficient planning is important to the city and deserves a higher profile.