What financial and other assistance it has provided or plans to provide to assist third parties, including neighbours, local communities an…

The ePlanning Programme is delivering a step change in planning service delivery and driving forward efficiencies in the planning system, moving planning away from a paper process to electronic ways of working. The programme allows for decisions to be made more quickly and more open, thereby increasing efficiencies in the public sector and, providing savings and improved services to citizens, local communities and NGOs.
Increased inclusion will provide enormous benefit to citizens. With all planning information online, citizens can view current applications, and their plans, their progress at different stages of the planning process, committee dates and decision, submit objections via online forms and become involved with the development of local plans. This reduces the need for citizens to travel into planning offices or libraries to view applications. By encouraging involvement in the creation of local plans, citizens can get involved with the development of the communities at the earliest stage in the planning process.
In addition, a future programme of work is currently being prepared to support planning authorities publicise and support usage by architects, agents, members of the public, community councils and other stakeholders.