Step forward for electronic planning applications

Development starts today on a single electronic form for planning consent applications across the country.

Since its launch in 2002, the Planning Portal has provided a central online access point for all planning transactions. But the 421 local authorities accessible through the portal still have their own varieties of paper form, and each has up to 30 different types depending on the kind of application being made.

The Planning Portal is working with Adobe and IBM to develop a single electronic form which will build itself as the applicant goes through answering its questions.

Electronic planning applications will save £10m this year and £20m in 2007, says Planning Portal director Chris Kendall. And the estimated saving to applicants is £120, he says.

'The core function of the portal is the ability to make an electronic planning application wherever you are in the country and whatever the local authority is,' said Kendall.

'The single electronic form will mean that businesses making applications in numerous locations can standardise their processes and be more efficient,' he said.

From a government perspective, local authorities will save money on paper forms and there will be better central monitoring of the kinds of applications being made, says Kendall. The Planning Portal will also be able to offer additional services such as geographical information system surveys and local development plans.

'The standard form will allow us to build on top of it so all information is in one place wherever you are and whoever you are,' said Kendall.

The form has been designed following extensive consultation with local authorities and the staged roll out is expected to start in October.

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