A new web site for all planning applications in Scotland will be launched on Wednesday 13 January. From this date, anyone submitting a new planning application will be directed to the ePlanning.scot web site.
If you have already started an application before 13 January, you will still be able to complete and submit it in the normal way. However, you will be unable to add more application forms to an existing proposal and you will need to ensure that you complete your submission by 17 March.
If you do not think that you will be able to submit your application before this date, it is recommend that you create a new proposal on the new portal and re-start your application there. The existing and new site is free to use and managed by the Scottish Government, in partnership with local authorities.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has been working closely with the Scottish Government and other local authorities to ensure the new site is user-friendly and engaging for both individual home-owners and businesses, such as architects and builders, who are entering the planning process. Because of this work the transfer to the new process should be seamless and easy for all. The layout and functionality of the new ePlanning portal will actually remain largely the same but the style and colour of the new portal will be refreshed in order to aid users to navigate to the correct type of planning application suitable to their need
One significant change is in relation to location plans. To improve the service the ePlanning portal provides; the new portal will contain links to three accredited online mapping providers. You will be able to choose which online mapping provider is best suited to your requirements before buying a location plan and uploading it to the portal. If you already have a location plan, you will still be able to use that.
To start using the new portal you must first register your details. Full details are available at https://eplanning.scotland.gov.uk/WAM/edevelopment.htm where you can also create an account.
Additional details and links are available through Dumfries and Galloway Council’s website at: http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13652
Councillor John Martin, Chair of the Planning Applications Committe said: “For anyone new to eBuilding Standards, the portal is easy to navigate with help and guidance at every stage of the way. Dumfries and Galloway Council ensure that local people and communities are at the heart of our decision making and the new portal will make it easier for everyone involved to obtain planning permission easily and efficiently .“
