The existing portal, eplanning.scotland.gov.uk, is being replaced by a new online applications portal ePlanning.scot. This new service has launched today, Wednesday, 13th January 2016.
You can access the portal at www.eplanning.scot.
This is a like-for-like service however it is a new portal, with refreshed branding. But it has a very familiar look and feel and will function in the way users have been accustomed to.
The change will help to secure the long-term future of the ePlanning service. And it is the first phase of an expanding service under the banner of eDevelopment.scot. Coming next, in summer 2016, will be the introduction of eBuilding Standards – see below.
Around 70% of all planning applications are now made online, increasing efficiency in delivery and enabling substantial savings to be made both by applicants and by planning authorities every time an application is made through the ePlanning portal. The new portal will enable applicants to continue to realise the benefits from the ePlanning service.
What this means for users
In the main, users will see very little change in the facility for making planning applications, notices of review or appeals through ePlanning.scot. But there are a few things you will need to be aware of and users may need to take action.
- There will be a 2-month ‘dual-running period’, during which both ePlanning portals will be live. From 13th January 2016, any new application form users wish to create can be made on the new portal ePlanning.scot. However, if users have an existing draft application sitting on the outgoing portal (eplanning.scotland.gov.uk), you can continue to complete and submit that application. Users must submit it by 17th March 2016, at which point that portal will be closed and you will no longer be able to access it.
- You will need to register on ePlanning.scot the first time you want to use the portal. This is a simple exercise and will only take a few moments. Once you have registered, the portal will remember your details and these can be used to instantly populate your application forms.
- Any work that users have carried out on eplanning.scotland.gov.uk will not be transferred to ePlanning.scot. This is why there will be a two month dual running period.
- Although users will not be able to access details of submitted applications on eplanning.scotland.gov.uk once it has been switched off on 17th March 2016, this will not affect local authorities’ decision processes for applications you have submitted to them before then. Details of your submission will become publically available on the local planning authorities own webpages as usual.
Digitising Building Standards – launching Summer 2016
In line with the Scottish Government's digital strategy, meeting customer expectations in a digital age, and in response to feedback received from ePlanning portal users and local authorities, the new eBuilding Standards service will launch in the summer of 2016.
This will enable the online submission of applications for building warrants and other related forms, such as completion certificates, directly to the local authority. This portal will be easy to navigate, with help and guidance at every stage of the way. It will also have a very familiar look and feel to the ePlanning service.
When you register on the new ePlanning portal from 13 January, your new login details will automatically give you access to eBuilding Standards when it is launched in the summer. However, you will of course be able to register separately for eBuilding Standards in the summer should you choose to do so.
We will keep you informed on progress towards the introduction of this national eBuilding Standards portal, and on how you can get started.
flyer_-_eplanning_launch.pdf |