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.

We have a further two events that we’re hosting with RTPI, RICS, RIBA and CIAT coming up, the next in Bristol on 2nd February and then London on 20th March.

If you submit planning applications on behalf of your business or organisation you’ll find the day extremely useful.

If you’re interested in attending there are a few places left although they are very limited – first come, first served.

Sign-up for Bristol event (few places left) (2nd February)

We’re still finalising details for the London Planning for Growth event. Keep an eye on the blog for more details on how to attend.

Trees event

We’re also running another free event in London on 21 February. Looking again at efficiencies to be gained from electronic ways of working, the day will focus mostly on issues relevant to arborculturalists and tree surgeons.

Again, the day will be of most benefit to those creating and submitting planning applications in relation to trees.

Sign up for the London trees event (21st February)

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.

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.

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)

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.

Working with several CIL front-runner LPAs and the Department for Communities and Local Government we have developed a CIL additional information form for LPAs to use without needing to develop their own local form.

The CIL additional information form is available here and we would welcome feedback from LPAs by email to Planning Portal Communications by Tuesday 24 January 2012.

Once feedback has been reviewed we are planning to publish the revised form in early February 2012.

Further information on CIL can be found on the Planning Portal.

Please note: The form as drafted takes account of a proposed change to Regulation 40 which will be included in the 2012 Regulation amendments. The proposed change will have the effect of taking account of any existing floorspace which is going to be retained in the new development by proportioning it across the proposed development in a similar way to the treatment of floorspace which is being demolished. The result of this change will be that you do not need to know the use/charging rate of the floorspace which is being retained.

For full information and to apply online visit:

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

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.

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

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