Web becomes preferred method for planning applications

The government wants all planning applications to be submitted online

An online government portal for planning consultations has been designated as the preferred medium for applications after cutting costs and reducing carbon emissions by 75 per cent.

The portal, run and funded by the department of communities and local government, was launched this year and allows a planning application to be submitted to any local authority in England and Wales.

Simon Birch, head of planning at the Environment Agency, said the e-Consultation hub made the process easier for all stakeholders by allowing them to view online applications.

“We are convinced that the Hub will bring long term efficiencies," he said.

"Not only will it speed up the planning process, it will also reduce carbon emissions – making it a greener way of working. We look forward to working with both the Planning Portal and with local planning authorities in implementing the Hub which is now our preferred method of consultation."

Steven Bee, director of planning and development at English Heritage, which provides advice on planning improvements, said the portal provides vital consistency in the timely receipt of consultations.

"The email prompts have been particularly helpful in assigning our experts to the numerous requests for advice," he said.

"Electronic notification of decisions will also enable us to monitor systematically the outcome of development proposals affecting the most important aspects of the historic environment.”

Local authorities will retain an electronic archive of applications accessible via the portal.

The Killian Pretty Review into the planning application process was published in 2008 and recommended an e-consultation hub as vital to improving the efficiency of the planning process.

The portal was funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government.