New online planning portal launched

A new system allowing planning applications to be submitted online has been launched.

The revamped version of ePlanning Scotland – now ePlanning.scot – lets individuals, architects and agents complete and send planning applications, notices of review and appeals to planning authorities across Scotland.

The ePlanning.scot service will include new mapping tools as well as additional forms and greater administration rights for each local authority.

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Around 70 per cent of all planning applications are now made online, as opposed to using traditional paper applications.

The portal is predicted to save around £17m across Scotland’s planning authorities over the next four years and around £28m for applicants and agents.

The service, which is operated by the Scottish Government on behalf of all Scottish planning authorities, went live yesterday.

Its launch comes ahead of a similar facility for the submission of building warrant applications - eBuilding Standards - being introduced this summer.

Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil said: “ePlanning is in its seventh year and over the past six years we’ve seen the portal save almost £40m for local authorities and applicants.

“We have made great progress since the portal was first introduced in 2009, with 70 per cent of planning applications now made online – double the original forecast.

“The new service will continue to provide access to the planning system in a way customers want, delivering a high quality consistent service, saving time and money.”

With the current contract for ePlanning Scotland due to expire this March, the Scottish Government opted to bring the IT solution for the portal in-house.

The original ePlanning Scotland portal, which was introduced in 2009, will remain live until 17 March to allow any applications already begun to be completed and submitted.