Monday 16 May 2011

Planning 'made easier' says Argyll and Bute Council

The council says its planning department is making it easier to use the online planning system. It says "It contains information and documents to do with planning and building standards applications. We are keen for people to use the council’s website to submit planning applications, view applications and make comments.

It’s now easier to navigate, quicker to use and there are several new added features. You can now create a user account which allows people to track applications, save searches and be sent email notifications when anything changes on their saved application or search.

Community councils and individuals will be able to save searches for their area and they’ll be notified directly when any application is received.

Individuals can easily make comments on current planning developments as well as see comments made by other members of the public and agencies like the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Water.

Also you are now able to do a history search on any property you are interested in. It will show up any planning or building standards applications related to the property.

In order to make the planning process as smooth as possible there’s a new pre-application service called ‘Planning for Firm Foundations.’ The downloadable form allows those thinking of taking on a building or renovation project to get a planning officer’s view on their drawings or written proposals before a formal planning application is submitted. This is all free and is designed to help identify any issues at an early stage and add certainty to the process."



For more information on the online planning system go to http://publicaccess.argyllbute.gov.uk/publicaccess/

For more information on pre application guidance go to

http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/pre-application-guidance