Interactive Online Planning System Goes Live

Published on 23 December 2008

Residents in the Epping Forest District can now easily view online the progress of planning applications following the implementation of phase ii of the Council’s interactive Planning website iPlan and a new interactive online mapping system called 'pinpoint'.

'pinpoint' gives residents fast and easy access to planning applications information showing current and historic applications, and enables users to search for applications in their area by postcode. It also allows residents to register for email notifications to keep customers up-to-date with the progress of any specific planning applications they are interested inThis new and exciting development, for which Epping Forest District Council is one of the test sites, is the product of eGovToolkit.

iPlan, launched in 2006, saw the implementation of the Northgate Planning Explorer which opened up data relating to planning applications dating back to 1948. Phase ii develops this further by making information on Building Control applications available online. There have also been major improvements to the look and feel of the whole system.

The second major development in Phase ii is an improved system for making comments on applications. These can be submitted online and automatically added to the system. This new version also includes a link from the Planning system to our Committee Management System allowing users to automatically search the committee agendas and reports.

Another important improvement means that we are now able to make documents relating to planning applications, both current and historic, available online. The first batch of documents published online totals over 130,000 individual documents. These documents include decision notices, register pages, application forms, plans, supporting documents for applications and appeal decisions. With new documents being added daily, the amount of material available online will continue to grow.

The historic material will be useful to residents looking to research the planning history of their property before making a planning application, or for groups interested in the local area. The availability of information means that residents can view data from the comfort of their home and not have to travel to an office to view details of applications they wish to comment on.

To use the new planning systems, click on the links below:

• Epping Forest District Council pinpoint website

• iplan inteactive planning website

Councillor Anne Grigg, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development said: “This second stage of iPlan is the end product of a considerable effort on behalf of the Support team within the Planning Directorate, the Council’s ICT team and a number of our software suppliers. This new system will serve to make interacting with Planning simpler for residents and all involved in the planning process.”

Steve Bacon, Planning Business Manager at Epping Forest District Council continued: “This new phase builds on our successful existing public access channel, and enhances that system by making documentation and more information available by creating links between our key systems. In addition, the innovative use of maps means that these systems are now easier to use than ever.”

John Preston, Director of Planning and Economic Development said: “This represents a massive change in the way that the Planning Directorate makes information available and in the amount of information available. Further enhancements are planned to the system soon to take advantage of the opportunities for electronic consultation.”

Using pinpoint and iPlan to view maps and access Planning information pdf (213 KB)

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