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Guidance service

By only asking questions relevant to their project, our Guidance Service makes it simpler for residents and planning agents to find out what type of planning permissions to apply for.

Aim

Our aim is to make it easier for residents and planning agents to check what planning permissions their proposed project is likely to need, and to understand any restrictions on a property.

Description

Our Guidance service makes it simpler for residents and planning agents to find out what type of planning permissions to apply for, by only asking questions relevant to their project.

Notable features include:

  • Applicants can draw a digital site boundary, which is submitted as a data polygon, so PDF location plans are no longer needed.
  • The service automatically checks the constraints affecting a property, such as whether it is in a conservation area.
  • Help text and illustrations explain complex planning issues in plain english, and signpost the source legislation.
  • If the guidance service recommends applying for a Lawful Development Certificate, it will provide a link to this Application Service.

Technical information

Our Guidance and Application services are built on PlanX (developed through the RIPA project), which means that Officers can use a low-code editor to collaboratively write and maintain services.

PlanX services are browser-based and users access them via your Council Website. Read full technical specifications.

Automated planning constraints checks are made by querying the National Planning Data Platform. The platform pulls through standardised data from council Geographic Information Systems (GIS), so that users know they are seeing reliable and assured data relevant to their property.

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