Update on planning applications issues

CIAT has been in contact with Planning Portal about issues experienced by some members progressing planning applications.

Following enquiries by some members experiencing difficulty in progressing planning applications, CIAT has been in contact with Planning Portal, and they have offered the following information. We hope that this will assist: 

The majority of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) have been able to work remotely, but there have been issues with some accessing the Council IT network, which has taken time to implement. There are also issues with accessing and processing paper-based correspondence and applications along with any cheque payments that have been received, as Council employees will be working remotely.

In light of this, Planning Portal has recommended that all applications, payments and correspondence are sent electronically. Several LPAs have also lost planning staff due to their redeployment to priority front-line services to help their communities tackle Covid-19. Planning Portal has advised that this number varies from LPA to LPA. The Planning Advisory Services has issued a set of FAQs to LPAs about working during these times, and the link to access these FAQs is here.

Despite this, LPAs are endeavouring to ensure that their services are availble and decisions are made as quickly as possible. With regards to the downturn in application submissions, another update has been published which can be found here. (Please note this was last updated on 7 April 2020.)

We will publish more information on this as and when it has been received. For further updates please check the COVID-19 page on the CIAT website that is regularly updated with information and guidance. This can be accessed here.