Planning for Growth

We recently hosted a free event in collaboration with RTPI, RICS, RIBA and CIAT. We have two more planned for the coming weeks.

The theme of the events is ‘Planning for Growth’ and focuses on how new ways of working (such as submitting all your applications online) can help support the Government’s growth plans as well as save you time and money. The audience was mostly planning professionals.

The day went very well: all the speakers presentations were very well received and after lunch, the audience were able to direct their questions to the speakers leading to some vibrant debate.

Help for a future architect

Can anyone help with a placement for a second-year architecture student?

Preferably in Bristol or Bath, from February and lasting a month or so.

Great opportunity to imprint your architectural world view on an impressionable young architect (or have someone to fetch the sandwiches!).

This is not a relative – just a public service announcement.

Please contact me and I’ll put you in touch.

Thank you Michelle

Some of you may know that Michelle Banks the Planning Portal’s sponsor (my boss) and Deputy Director, Planning – Development Management, is leaving DCLG at the end of this week.

Michelle has been working with the Portal for the last 4 years or so and has had a hand in much of our success.

I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Michelle for her contribution and in particular for the patience she has shown when guiding me and the Portal team through the choppy waters of the past few years.

I don’t think we’ve been the easiest posting Michelle has ever had and I’m certain I’ve not always been the epitome of calm but Michelle has always taken the time to understand the peculiarities of our business and helped us deliver better outcomes for everyone.

Thanks Michelle and good luck.

Out and about in London

Being a dutiful employee of DCLG I return to the nest in Victoria on a weekly basis, partly to pow wow with colleagues in and around the Department and partly keep the portal flag flying in Eland House.

Whilst in town I like to frequent the upmarket coffee bars of Soho and Seven Dials and pick up my beans from the Algerian Coffee store.

If anyone has the time and fancies joining me for a flat white at some point I’d be glad to see you. Alternatively if you would like a more formal get together I’d be very happy to visit your location at any time.

Remember I’m no planner but I’m happy to discuss any aspect of our service, past, present or future.

Let me know (by email if you prefer)

CIL – feedback needed on changes to additional information form

The introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) means that local planning authorities (LPAs) which have chosen to charge need additional information to determine whether a charge is due and to calculate the amount.

A CIL additional information form was published on the Planning Portal to be submitted alongside planning applications.

However, many LPAs have told us that the form does not capture all the information they need to understand whether there would be any liability.

DCLG recruiting for London-based planners

The more eagle-eyed amongst you may have already spotted the ad in Planning, but just in case DCLG is looking for 3 qualified planners for its London office. Its at HPTO grade which means £28,668 per annum full time.

For full information and to apply online visit:

http://jobs.planningresource.co.uk/job/305955/planners-hpto-grade/

Online Planning Application Submission Growth Continues Apace in 2011

I’m happy to report that I can once again offer good news on the continuing shift to online submission.

In the calendar year 2011 there were more than 270,000 planning applications submitted via the Planning Portal compared with just under 230,000 in 2010, a rise of around 20%.

This is even more remarkable when you consider that growth since 2009 has been more than 70%.

More detailed stats to follow.

 

Scheduled site outage tonight

Now that Christmas is behind us we’ve put the Portal elves to work on their real jobs.

As a result the site will be down between 8pm – 11pm this evening whilst we build in additional storage capacity.

Please accept my apologies if you were planning a marathon session this evening. 

We’ll be back to full strength tomorrow and with oodles of space for all your lovely applications.

Chris

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you all

Thanks for your support through 2012 and enjoy your break.
Chris

All Quiet on the Portal Front

I’d like to apologise for the lack of a newsletter over the last couple of weeks. We’ve been installing a new CRM system and it’s still bedding in (if you don’t know what a CRM is you don’t need to, and if you do you’ll understand)

We intend to be back in the New Year invigorated by mince pies and too many glasses of Baileys (other cream based liqueurs are available!) and will look forward to “re-engaging with our valued customers and stakehoders”.

In the meantime have a great Xmas and New Year if you celebrate them.

Your support and feedback in the last 12 months has been very rewarding.

In the words of the great Dave Allen “thank you, and may your God go with you”

Chris