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The Planning Portal is starting 2010 with a series of free events aimed at planning agents and applicants to promote the benefits of submitting planning applications online.

The events will take place during January and February 2010 at the following locations and dates:

See web site for table data.

Any regular applicants who currently submit planning applications on paper are invited to attend the Planning Portal's FREE workshops. The workshops will answer the following questions:

What's in it for me? Why should I use the online method?How can the services of the Planning Portal improve my competitive edge?How easy is it to convert to e-planning?What support is available?

At the workshops The Planning Portal will demonstrate the online process and the other free tools available on the site. The agenda for the workshop will cover:

Demonstrating the key principles involved in using the online serviceHow to attach plans and other documents to support your applicationUsing the online tools such as mapping and volume & fee calculatorsLearn more about LPA application requirements

The workshops are an ideal opportunity to learn about e-planning, voice opinions and meet the Planning Portal Team and fellow planning professionals.

Places can be booked by contacting the Planning Portal Events Team on events@planningportal.gsi.gov.uk  or 0117 372 8232. Simply specify the preferred location of the workshop and number of colleagues you wish to attend (between 1 and 3).

Notes to Editors

The Portal provides products and services to deliver tangible and meaningful benefits to all users of the planning system including citizens, businesses and every Local Planning Authority (LPA) in England and Wales.

The Planning Portal is the first port of call for anyone wanting to find out about the planning system in England and Wales. Its aim is to provide a one-stop-shop supplying answers, services and information to anyone involved in the planning process - from home owners and businesses to planning professionals and Government officials.

The Planning Portal received its first electronic planning application in April 2003. Today 35% of all applications pass through the Portal and it is possible to submit an electronic application to every authority in England and Wales using a standard national form.

The Killian Pretty Review into the planning application process was published in 2008 and highlighted key recommendations to ensure its successful future development. The review recommended continued Government investment into facilitating and encouraging improvements in the processing of applications.

For more information contact Azmat Bibi
Email: azmat.bibi@planningportal.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0117 3726358

Contacts:

COI South West
Phone: 0117 917 5833
Fax: 0117 917 5384
bristol@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Lynette Evans
Phone: 0117 917 5282
lynette.evans@coi.gsi.gov.uk