Re-platforming the Planning Portal and update to the payment service
Planning Portal are heavily investing in our future service by developing a brand-new website using the latest technology. This includes a cloud-based application service that is flexible enough to cater for the needs of our customers and partners both now and in the future. We are on track for a launch in late quarter two of this year.
The new platform is being developed in-house by our TerraQuest colleagues in Birmingham. It combines our knowledge and insight, gained from nearly 20 years of facilitating online planning submission, and the experience of a team of developers, product owners and user experience specialists.
The new platform will be more intuitive and easier to use than the current system, taking a project-based approach to link all applications to a single development with the ability to share data across platforms resulting in fewer invalid applications. Most importantly, it will give us the platform to continually improve the service and deliver the digital transformation the planning and building industry needs, and as stated in the Government’s Planning white paper in the autumn. If you would like more information about our development roadmap, you can find out more on our blog here.
In light of the above, coupled with general increased running costs, we will be introducing a service charge increase to £23.33+ VAT from 1st April 2021. The service charge applies to online planning applications that attract a planning fee of £60 or more. We have held our current service charge fee for 20 months and the increased revenue will contribute to the continued investment into our service to deliver the above transformational improvements and subsequent enhancements to features that will add additional efficiencies for agents, applicants and local authorities.
If you would like to understand in greater detail the new developments and functionality, we would strongly recommend you join us for our free webinar series ‘Planning Portal: Past, Present and Future’. Alongside providing you with an in-depth review of our development programme it provides you the opportunity to ask questions. You can register here.
As always, we are committed to providing an efficient service to all customers and delivery partners and thank you for your continued support and feedback.
If you have any further questions or comments in relation to any of the above, please email communications@planningportal.co.uk.
I’m slightly confused as the current service charge is £25. How is this an increase? Or is it on top of this?
Hi Donna, thanks for your query. The current service charge is £20.83 +VAT (£25 in total). The new charge will be £23.33 +VAT (£28 in total). This service charge applies only to online planning applications that attract a planning fee of £60 or more.
Ah, understood. Thank you for clarifying.
how much cost Lawful Development Certificate?
Hi Rafiq, our Fee Calculator should be able to help you: https://1app.planningportal.co.uk/FeeCalculator/Standalone
please let me know how i can make application for discharging condition on approved permission
You can find out more about the approval (discharge) of conditions here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200126/applications/60/consent_types/12
Information on how to remove or vary conditions can be found here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200126/applications/60/consent_types/11
Many thanks.
Excuse the “dumb” question but is the service charge on top of the planning fee and what is the current Pre-application Advice fee please?
Hi Paul! Yes, the service charge is separate from the planning application fee, you can read more about this charge here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200232/planning_applications/145/financial_transaction_service_and_payment_nomination
As for pre-application advice fees, you’ll need to check this with your Local Planning Authority directly.
How can I get a lawful use certificate for my shop
Hi Cecilia, you can find our guidance on applying for a Lawful Development Certificate here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200187/your_responsibilities/37/planning_permission/3
Where can I access a tree application form?
Hi Lin, tree applications can be submitted online through the Planning Portal: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications
I’m in process of submitting 2 lawfulness development certificate applications for 2-bed mid terrace properties to convert to 3 bed HMO What’s the best option to chooses to calculate fees on the planning portal?
Hi Hiwa, the Planning Portal service desk can help with how to complete the online application form. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
I am trying to make an application for change of use but it is not in the list of options it is from retail to dog grooming. What do I do to apply online as I have been told it does need an application making
Hi Caroline, the Planning Portal service desk can help with how to complete the online application form. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
How do I list my past applications in either alphabetical order or date order.
Hi Stephen, the Planning Portal service desk can help with queries on using the online application system. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays).