A county council's planning department has been labelled "poor" with no stars by the local government watchdog.

Northamptonshire County Council's planning and transportation department has been criticised by inspectors from the Audit Commission.

As well as describing the department as poor, the commission says it has got uncertain prospects for improvements.

As a result it has given it a "no star" rating

Weaknesses addressed

The inspectors said there was poor communication with the public by the council.

And it had not produced waste local plan - even though it is a statutory requirement

The council said since the inspection, weaknesses have been addressed to ensure improvement.

Earlier this month, Northamptonshire County Council was given just one star out of a possible three for its work on social inclusion.

The Audit Commission described the council's work for vulnerable people as "fair but with uncertain prospects for improvement".