New digital planning permission 'checking service' goes live
A new free online self-service tool allowing homeowners and professionals to check if they need planning permission for a project they're considering has been launched by Gateshead Council.
As part of the council's work to improve its digital services, the new tool, which is generally focused on householder developments, was created using Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) funding. All that's needed to use it is a device with access to the Internet, the postcode of the property being developed, and an idea of the work being proposed. Drawing from accurate and up-to-date information, the system will then instantly provide a detailed report outlining if planning permission is required, and if so, what the process is for applying and what to do next when making a formal submission. Previously this process could've taken up to four weeks and cost between £25 and £55.
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council, said:
"I realise that to some, finding out whether or not you need planning permission can seem a daunting process, but not anymore. This simple to use tool will allow anyone to check what conditions apply to their next project in minutes, any time of day. This includes anything from extensions and new outbuildings, to fitting solar panels or a loft conversion.
"It's been thoroughly tested during development to make sure it's easy to use and as intuitive as possible, and I'm confident it's not only going to make life much easier for residents, but also to free up officer time to drive up the productivity of our planning team.
The introduction of this new tool is the just the first stage of our plans to digitise much of our planning process, making it as quick and cost effective to navigate as possible.
Find out if you need planning permission (opens new window)
A new free online self-service tool allowing homeowners and professionals to check if they need planning permission for a project they're considering has been launched by Gateshead Council.
As part of the council's work to improve its digital services, the new tool, which is generally focused on householder developments, was created using Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) funding. All that's needed to use it is a device with access to the Internet, the postcode of the property being developed, and an idea of the work being proposed. Drawing from accurate and up-to-date information, the system will then instantly provide a detailed report outlining if planning permission is required, and if so, what the process is for applying and what to do next when making a formal submission. Previously this process could've taken up to four weeks and cost between £25 and £55.
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council, said:
"I realise that to some, finding out whether or not you need planning permission can seem a daunting process, but not anymore. This simple to use tool will allow anyone to check what conditions apply to their next project in minutes, any time of day. This includes anything from extensions and new outbuildings, to fitting solar panels or a loft conversion.
"It's been thoroughly tested during development to make sure it's easy to use and as intuitive as possible, and I'm confident it's not only going to make life much easier for residents, but also to free up officer time to drive up the productivity of our planning team.
The introduction of this new tool is the just the first stage of our plans to digitise much of our planning process, making it as quick and cost effective to navigate as possible.
Find out if you need planning permission (opens new window)
