It has been suggested to me more than once, most recently by Pete in the Paperless Planning thread, that the Portal’s application process would be greatly improved by introducing the ability to choose to upload all attachments to an application at one time, rather than individually as it is at present.
Views please.
Chris
Firstly, I’d like to thank all who have commented on the previous post regarding advertising on the Portal. I really appreciate your feedback, particularly, the pragmatic views expressed that accept the very real economic circumstances we all find ourselves in.
Later in this post I’ll set out in a little more detail some of the opportunities we will offer, however, I thought I’d first deal with a few of the points made in the previous thread.
Times are tough and budgets will shrink. This is a statement of fact for most in the public and private sectors and the Planning Portal is not immune.
Where we are more fortunate than many is in the opportunity we have to develop commercial services that contribute to our costs and help secure our future. We have always had a commercial outlook and this challenge presents us with an opportunity to bring our commercial experience to the fore.
Read on for more information on banner advertising and sponsorship including how to get on board
Read more…
We are considering developing a service that will enable LPAs to access Adobe ‘LiveCycle’ functionality via a web service.
Using the service, an LPA would upload planning application files together with a manifest and receive back the files with the Adobe ‘LiveCycle’ functionality added, e.g. Site Measuring Tool. Currently, only files submitted via the Portal carry this functionality.
This would remove the need for LPAs to buy or deploy licensed software in their own domains, reducing costs, support and maintenance and delivering easy-to-use functionality, with a minimum of disruption to LPA systems.
I am canvassing feedback to see if you would be interested in this service, which may be made available for a small annual fee or on a pay per use service.
Hello,
I was asked recently for a list of all the LPAs who currently accept online payments for planning applications made via the Portal.
If only everything was so simple.
The latest in our well-received series of mini-guides to the permitted development regime for householder building projects is now live on the Portal.
As you can see, the guide uses graphics to illustrate the basics of permitted development for outbuildings and complements the guides for porches, extensions and loft conversions as well as the Interactive House and Terrace.
All these guides aim to explain permitted development to the lay-person in a simple and user-friendly way. We are delighted when LPAs and others choose to link to the guides and we update them as legislation changes.
We’re very happy to hear how we might improve any of these guides, and are always keen to receive feedback of any kind.
Chris
Hello,
Our hard-working technical team today introduced software release 370 to address various issues with the online application forms. Find more details in the article.
I often hear that it would be useful to applicants to be able to work on a planning application offline before later uploading the application to the Portal.
As this is not an inconsequential change (and funds are scarce), I’d welcome your feedback on the usefulness of this suggestion.
Thanks,
Chris
Now that I have your attention, I’d like to pose the question: “What would need to change to make this happen?”
Let’s assume that we are on our way to bridging the digital divide and everybody has broadband. Let’s also assume legislation has been passed that mandates the paperless process.
What next? For example, what IT would LPAs need to enable visitors to view plans successfully in planning offices?
How might developers submit applications for large scale schemes and how might public consultation work?
Could this be achieved in three years? And what would it all cost?
Over to you.
Chris
Just a quick note to report that December broke the record for the highest ever percentage of planning applications submitted online.
We calculate that 38.2% of planning applications were submitted online compared with a previous high of 36.6%.
The North East stands out as the leading region with more than 47% of applications submitted online whilst more than 20% of authorities across the country received more than half their applications online.
All this set against a background of fairly slow progress in 2009 reflecting the overall downturn in the number of applications submitted.
Our latest round of Planning Professional workshops started yesterday morning at Sevenoaks, the first of 17 venues. Around 30 non-users learnt how to apply and online, saving themselves time and money in the process.
So far around 600 individuals have booked themselves to attend the remaining workshops, but there are still some spaces available.
If you know someone who still submits on paper, make sure you tell them about our free workshops.
To book a place please click here
Various times are available at the following venues Read more…
Planning Portal Blog 