50 LPAs reach Smarter Planning Champion milestone
A total of 50 LPAs have now achieved Smarter Planning Champion status.
The most recent is Bolton Council, which reached the milestone last Friday.
Bolton has demonstrated it is actively applying best practice in the processing of online planning applications and has engaged with customers electronically to save time and resources as well as money and carbon.
This has been achieved in part due to the planning department using electronic case files and only printing plans when absolutely necessary. Officers use tablets on site to view plans and documentation, which allows for a more efficient use of their time.
Bolton endorses online application submission via the Planning Portal as their preferred method and offer online and telephone fee payment for quicker registration and validation. Their website also provides links to key planning guidance and services for ease of use.
A key part of the Smarter Planning scheme is working closely with local authorities to streamline their processes and introduce new electronic ways of working.
A map of LPA ‘Champions’ can be accessed here, and if you want to learn more about becoming a Smarter Planning Champion you can find more information on the Portal and register your interest.
Planning Portal Blog 
Could you confirm the key to the colours on the map please?
Hi John. The green authorities have achieved Smarter Planning status and the yellow/amber ones are on their way. If you click on the map it will give you more info along with the name of the authority, as some are more obvious than others.