29 October 2009
A new online system to enable people
in Breckland to search for planning applications, appeal against
decisions and track progress of proposals has been
launched.
The new online planning initiative has been
developed by Capita Symonds on behalf of Breckland Council and will
make the planning system simpler, faster and more accessible,
providing a consistent level of service throughout the
district.
Jon Durbin, Regional
Director, Capita Symonds, says: “This upgrade to the service
represents a significant improvement in public and councillor
access to planning application information. It allows plans to be
reviewed and progress to be tracked quickly and easily. It has
also provided a very early demonstration of Capita Symonds
commitment to working in real partnership with Breckland Council to
improve services.”
The new system provides:
- A facility to check the progress of current
applications;
- More planning information online, allowing
the progress of applications and appeals to be tracked and
decisions to be better understood;
- Information on local development plans;
- A facility to comment on undecided
applications.
Councillor Ann Steward, Executive member for
Planning, said: "We are pleased to launch the new service, which
promises to make the planning process simpler for the public. In a
rural area, such as Breckland which covers over 1,000 square
kilometres, the benefits will be all the more apparent. Customers
will be able to check on a planning application using the new web
access. Maps, plans and other associated documents can be viewed
and residents can comment on applications and appeals online".
The new Planning ‘do it online’ pages
can be found on
Breckland Council's website
Image: Trying out the new online system (l-r): From
Breckland Council; Ann Steward, Executive Member for
Planning, Bill Borrett, Executive Support Member for Planning and
Mark Stokes, Deputy Chief Executive, along with Capita Symonds
representatives Dave Jolley, National Planning Director and
Phil Daines, Development Services Manager.