Answering a simple question like 'Do I need planning permission to change my windows?' usually requires navigating multiple different websites and documents. This is frustrating for the public, but also puts a huge burden of calls, emails, errors and avoidable enforcement cases on councils.
'Find out if..' is a free service that allows users to answer questions like this for themselves, 24/7, by finding their property and answering a few questions. It also acts as a kind of triage, guiding users to where they need to go next.
reduction in phone enquiries
LB Camden
increase in revenue from Lawful Development Certificate service as a result of users being guided to the service they needed
Doncaster
Applications for planning permission – especially from householders – are the largest part of planners work. But more than half of all applications received are invalid – that means they have to be sent back because information is missing or incorrect before they can even be assessed.
A shared service pattern with all the knowledge applicants need built into the service, including local validation requirements. This makes the process easier for applicants, but it also significantly reduces the number of invalid applications, and makes them easier to assess.
of applications valid upon receipt, compared to 33% previously
LB Lambeth
reduction in overall processing time when used with BOPS
LB Lambeth
Enforcement is an essential layer of the planning system, but enforcement teams are under a lot of pressure. Often, more than half of the reports enforcement teams get are unnecessary, or missing crucial information.
First launched by Buckinghamshire, the 'Report a Breach' service on Plan✕ makes sure that reports include key useful information. It also provides in-service guidance to filter-out unnecessary reports.
decrease in overall reports
Buckinghamshire Council
reduction in unnecessary reports
Medway Council
Pre-application advice is still a very manual, unstandardised process. Requests are often submitted with very little information, making it hard for officers to give useful advice, or to identify which policies apply. The service is more expensive, and less useful as a result.
Pioneered by Doncaster, the 'Apply for pre-app advice' service allows planners to specify the information they need in order to give planning advice, and to ensure requests come with lists of which policies apply already compiled.
reduction in time to send out consultations after receipt, from 10 days to 5
Doncaster
reduction in the time taken to process a pre-app
Doncaster
Lawful Development Certificates cover a high volume of small projects that don't require planning permission. Though small, these applications still need to be validated and assessed, and that can account for a high cost burden on planning authorities.
A shared service template that gives users clear guidance on what drawings and information they need to provide –– it is also the first planning service to include a pre-assessment, so applicants are warned in advance if their application is likely to be refused.
of residents in Lambeth chose to use the Plan✕ service to submit directly to the council
LB Lambeth
of applications valid on receipt
LB Lambeth
