Online planning services transformed

With the re-launch of stevenage.gov.uk, our Planning and Regeneration section now has a new design, new functions and new services.

Head of Planning and Regeneration Peter Bandy said:

“Participation from local people in the planning process is crucial if Stevenage is to evolve in a way that meets their needs.  We are using new website technology to make access to Planning and Regeneration information easier and improve the quality of the services we provide.”

We are continually working to improve our customer service, looking at ways to process planning applications faster and more efficiently. 

To help achieve this, you can now submit a planning application to the Council online through the National Planning Portal. This site enables you to send us an application and associated documents electronically as well as make an online payment. 

The National Planning Portal also offers guidance on the planning system in England and Wales.  Their site includes advice for both residents and businesses to help establish whether proposed schemes require planning permission.

Local planning decisions affect everybody who lives, works and visits Stevenage.  It is therefore important that information about planning applications is accessible to everyone and that it is easy for people to give us their views. 

With this in mind, as well as submitting your application on line, our new planning service allows you to:

• View current planning application documents submitted from the 1st December 2005
• View decision notices on applications determined since 1st December 2005
• Check the progress of an application
• Submit comments online about an application
• Search a constantly updated list of applications received and decided each week
• View details of some historic applications

All online information will be updated in real time, so you will always have access to the latest, up-to-date information.

More to come

We will continue to improve the online Planning and Regeneration service.  By the end of 2006 we will provide access to a Geographical Information System (GIS) that will enable you to search for planning applications using a map and view applications geographically.

We will also be scanning a lot more historical documents so that you can view them online.  Eventually you will have access to every decision notice issued by the Council since 1947.

If you have any comments or queries about this site, please contact planning@stevenage.gov.uk