The Planning Inspectorate's annual report shows that despite the appeals backlog being apparently slashed from 4,700 in November 2004 to around 600 this year, it failed to meet timeliness targets for determining planning appeals. The body has otherwise met many of its targets, including its priority target in England to process cases determined by the deputy prime minister within their timescales. “I am encouraged to see that the Planning Inspectorate managed to reduce its backlog in appeals," said planning Minister Yvette Cooper. "The recent restructuring will also enable it to meet the demands of a rising workload both now and in the longer term. “Over the past four years the number of appeals received has increased by over 38%, putting pressure on timeliness; however it is welcome that most of the other targets were met.”