A CASH boost is to be received by Richmond upon Thames Council from the government in recognition of its fine performance on planning.

Nearly £800,000 will be awarded to the borough for 2004 to 2005, reflecting the council's significant improvement in processing planning applications.

It also recognises the council's contribution to meeting housing demand in the south east, having an up to date Unitary Development Plan and for its progress to revision.

It is the sixth highest award received by the country's 403 planning authorities and it is nearly £500,000 more than last year's allocation.

The borough would have received more but for the fact that the government had set a cap on all allocations for the coming year.

Richmond council's cabinet member for environment and planning, Cllr David Marlow, said: "The grant is a barometer of how well a local authority is doing on the planning front and, judging by this result, we are doing extremely well.

"This highlights a terrific improvement in performance over the past year, and reflects great credit on our staff."

He added: "Obviously we won't rest on our laurels and will aim to maintain this performance in the years ahead."

The Lib Dems applauded the council for their performance but said they are cautious of the quality of planning decisions.

Cllr Martin Elengorn said: "I am delighted that the good performance of our planners has received further recognition. However what really matters to residents is not so much how quickly planning applications are processed but what is the quality of decisions and what is the consequent impact on the borough's environment and townscape.

"In that connection we are awaiting the UDP Inspector's report and, in particular, whether he will recommend maintaining as green space scarce Metropolitan Open Land in the Crane Valley."