Successful launch of the location plan feature

The introduction to the Planning Portal of the location plan feature, has proven to be working well and we are delighted with the successful implementation.  

Over the first four working days since its introduction, 953 applications were submitted using the new feature to draw the site boundary and create a location plan. In addition, 1,933 applicants also used the tool to begin their application and created a draft to return to later. The data also shows us that both large and smaller site boundaries are being drawn to cater for all types of proposal.  

This indicates that not only is the enhancement helpful to users, but also, it is working effectively.  

We now have additional information on the uptake of the service – between 2-16 May, 3,632 applications used the Location Plan Feature, which is 28% of all applications on which the feature was applicable.

This shows that the feature continues to be well-received by our users.

Applying for planning permission can be complex, and the route that a Planning Portal application takes is a detailed one, relying on many technical functions along its way to retrieval by the Local Planning Authority. To give context to what happens to your online application behind the scenes, our talented team have created an animation to show a Portal application’s journey. 

Supporting the government’s aim to improve the planning process 

Since launching the feature, our vision to support the government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, by passing planning application ‘data, not documents,’ is gaining momentum. This will in turn reduce the number of invalid planning applications submitted to Local Authorities, giving scope for better planning decisions, and reduce delays.  

The Bill aims to improve the current planning system, and as a primary source of planning data, we aim to enhance the Planning Portal by improving the processing, supply, and availability of that data to meet the government’s overall improvement goals. 

You will know from our articles over recent months that we have developed the location plan feature to present several notable benefits to applicants and Local Authorities and support the digital planning agenda. 

A recap of the benefits of the location plan feature 

• Simple to use – allowing you to draw your site boundary or upload an existing data file  
• Reduce the number of invalid applications by creating a compliant plan, speeding up the process for all parties
• Make the process more efficient, by streamlining the creation of a location plan, standardising the process, and removing the back and forth caused by invalidation  
• Move forward digital planning reform by sending the boundary as data to integrate with Local Authority back-office and GI systems, as well as a PDF, to the Local Authority.  

Information and latest updates 

Alongside the location plan feature, we have published in-feature guidance, blog updates, website help and support, and a library of anticipated questions. Visit our dedicated area of the Planning Portal to find links to the guidance and explanatory videos.  

Visit the Planning Portal 

The third in our series of free webinars will be taking place on 25 May at 12:00. Join us as we share a recent update about the location plan feature, present details on upcoming enhancements, and answer your questions. 

Sign up to attend the webinar

Like any change to the norm, there are bound to be questions and we always value the feedback of your experience of using our service. We gather this feedback as valuable insight into our service improvements and further research. If you would like to get in touch, please email communications@planningportal.co.uk.