Initial supporting document upload improvements are now live
Based on user feedback since launch, the method to upload files and provide relevant details for supporting documents has been updated to address some common issues.
This is the first in a series of changes we are planning in this area, but we wanted to get it live as soon as possible. Therefore, the current way documents are listed/edited once uploaded has not changed, and the metadata for these files that is sent to Local Authorities is also unaltered.
We are always happy to receive feedback on these functions and will be taking it into account for further rounds of improvements.
Ability to upload bigger files
We allow Local Authorities to set their own file size limits up to 30Mb. Hopefully, this will mean less time splitting up and/or reformatting larger documents for upload.
If you see that the limit is still set at 10Mb, it may be worth asking the Local Authority if they are able to increase this.
Easier selection of document type(s)
Improved user interface
The selection of document types is now handled in a window (rather than a drop-down list) to allow better navigation of the list and a search function to find specific types, in line with similar functions across the service.
Selection of multiple document types
Previously, users had to select an initial document type, and then use the ‘Mark a document as covered by another’ function to state that it covered additional types.
Now, users can select multiple document types from the list as part of the upload process, making it easier to ‘tag’ all relevant types to each file.
Note that a document description will be mandatory if ANY of the selected types require one to be entered.
Also note that once uploaded, the first tag shown (based on list order) will be the ‘primary’ type, and other types will be shown as ‘covered by’ the primary one.
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Planning Portal Blog 
You need a drawing issue sheet Or document issue sheet listed as an option. I don’t understand why one has never been provided as all architects and engineers and geo engineers use it. Planners never have done so. Regards.
Like many applicants we combine all of the drawings of the existing building / site on a single multi sheet .pdf., often with several plans or all the elevations on one page. Ditto for the proposal. This ensures case officers or members of the public find everything. Your system seems to assume one image per .pdf.
Hi Andrew. I cant speak to the specific preferences of the individual Local Authorities you submit to, but our understanding is that many prefer that each different type of plan or document is separated out into individual files, or at least provided one per page. However, these changes do allow much easier selection of multiple types if you are supplying a combined file.
James
Some LPAs like existing and proposed side by side on a single sheet. Others specifically want them separate. Neither is ‘wrong’ so we have to be flexible and simply ask that the Planning Portal is too. There used to be a description labelled something like ‘Other drawings’, to which you could then add a descriptor. All I’m asking is for that option to continue.
Thanks for the response Andrew.
There should still be an ‘Other plans’ or ‘Mixed/combined plans’ document type you can select and then provide a description as required.
More generally, where the application has ‘minimum requirements’ for specific plan types, using these non-specific types will not ‘tick off’ those requirements, so you should always still also select all the separate types that are covered in the combined document, and then the system will know they are in there (to validate the minimum requirements have been met), and also pass that contextual information on to the Local Authority when the application is submitted.
Can you please add another document type “Document/drawing issue sheet” That all Consultants use to keep track on submissions. Please.
Hi Leslie, will will log this request and review with other users/Local Authorities to establish how best to record and supply this information. Currently, the intention is for the system to provide the same detail in the list of supporting documents as would be contained in an ‘issue sheet’, but as data that can be used by Local Authorities rather than having to cross reference against a separate document.
it is verry helpful.
i want build a out house, so do i need to apply for it and hoe to do it.