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20 e-planning tips for Local Planning Authorities

E-planning is delivering real benefits to local authorities and contributes to the government's sustainable communities agenda.

These tips aim to help local authorities improve the planning service they already offer to customers and should be seen as minimum requirements. Wherever possible, local authorities should strive to deliver more to customers.

The aim is to improve information available on the planning process, engage more citizens and help speed up the system of decision making and policy document formulation.

Please use the links below to view the individual tips and further information relating to them.

1.

Allow users to find the ‘planning’ page easily

2.

Allow users access to an online application register

3.

Allow users to view application drawings and attachments online

4.

Allow users to view appeals online

5.

Allow users to comment on applications online

6.

Create a way for users to monitor applications online

7.

Allow users to view planning application decisions online

8.

Allow users to view conditions/reasons for refusal online

9.

Allow users to view officers' reports online

10.

Allow users to view committee meeting schedules, agendas and minutes online

11.

Create online planning help text

12.

Allow users to submit planning applications online

13.

Allow users to access downloadable forms online

14.

Allow application fees to be paid online

15.

Allow users to attach drawings/documents to an online application

16.

Make your local development plan text and proposal map available online

17.

Ensure your proposals map is linked to policy

18. 

Ensure your proposals map is comprehensive and easy to use

The following tips are specifically for County Councils and National Parks.

19.

Allow users to access Transport/Structure Plan text online

20.

Allow users to access Waste/Minerals Local Plan text online