Communities across the country are already benefiting from the advances in e-planning with a faster, more efficient planning system, and many more are in the pipeline.

For example, if you want to view your local area development plans, the online Planning Portal has some 38 planning authorities already connected and supplying their local plans and a similar number nearly ready to do so.

In some areas you may apply for planning permission directly and completely online, and while other authorities still need a hard copy, on-line application can still be made.

The government wants every local planning authority e-enabled by the end of 2005, allowing them to accept and process planning applications electronically.

To ensure a focus and establish an integrated programme to bring together a whole raft of projects and initiatives designed to drive forward the e-planning agenda, the government has set up an e-Programme Board and a dedicated team.

Housing Minister, Keith Hill said: “Successful use of e-planning can really speed up the system and make it more transparent, improving life for planners, councillors, developers and the local community.”

“This is exciting news, as it builds on the successful collaboration and delivery of a range of initiatives in the planning world, and clarifies the role and future of the Planning Portal and the Planning and Regulatory Services Online (PARSOL) National Project being delivered by local government.”

The Planning Portal is intended to be the first point of call for anyone who wants to find out about the planning system in England and Wales. It is aimed at everyone, from central government and local authorities to planning professionals and the lay person.

For example, through the planning portal you can:

• Read the latest planning news.
• Determine if planning permission is required and how you go about obtaining it.
• Access the development plans, regulations and guidance notes upon which the application and appeal procedures are based.
• Find out about planning in your local area.

The e-Programme Board announced this week will enable a whole raft of new services to be offered on-line by the Planning Portal in future. For example, the Portal could include major schemes and policies of non-statutory planning bodies, like regional development agencies, urban regeneration companies, regional housing boards, regional centres of excellence, and local development initiatives.

Following its successful establishment by the Planning Inspectorate, the Planning Portal will report directly to the ODPM with director Richard Goodwin heading up the new e-planning unit.

Click here to visit the Planning Portal.