Member Article

Internet generation drives increase in e-planning services

A dramatic rise in homeowners, architects and builders using the online planning process in the North East is expected this coming year, according to figures released today by Communities and Local Government (CLG). In local authorities where e-planning is already established – such as Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council – it has received wholehearted approval from residents.

Approximately 650,000 planning applications are received each year in England and local authorities are predicting that over one in six will be received online, saving paper and time, by the end of this year. A big increase in the number of housing developments and homeowners carrying out home improvements to increase their property’s value, coupled with the broadband revolution and improved access to local authority websites are said to have been key factors.

People are not only using the web to make applications online, but also to find out more about what is being planned in their area. Increasingly they are using technology to make sure that their views are heard on planning matters ranging from applications submitted by neighbours to proposed major developments.

Penny Furniss, head of planning at Redcar and Cleveland said: “We like to give applicants and others involved in the planning process a choice of ways to contact us. E-planning allows applications to be made at any time of day or night. Members of the public with access to the internet can view applications or our development plans from the comfort of their own homes, even outside normal office hours. We aim to develop the service even further in the coming months.”

Entering your postcode, town, or street name at www.direct.gov.uk/mycouncil will take you directly to the relevant service page of the local council website.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .