Q) What is ePlanning?
A) ePlanning is a Scottish Government initiative that modernises the Planning Service by utilising internet technology. It consists of two main components:
Q) What is Scottish Planning Online?
A) It is a Scottish Government website that allows you to:
- make a planning application or appeal online;
- pay appropriate fees online using a credit or debit card;
- view online planning application boundaries on Ordnance Survey maps;
- submit the planning application from your home computer, at a Highland Council library, or anywhere with an internet connection.
Q) What are the benefits to me?
A) A more customer oriented service with:
- better access to view planning information;
- greater ability to scrutinise and monitor the planning process;
- a more consistent, transparent and democratic service;
- greater convenience in submitting planning applications and representations;
- simple to use application forms;
- streamlined decisions.
Q) Where can I find Scottish Planning Online?
A) Visit the new Scottish Planning Online website.
Q) When will I be able to make an online application or appeal?
A) Now. This facility has been available since 29th April 2009.
Q) Can I still submit an application by hand and use the old Highland planning application forms after the 29th April 2009?
A) Yes, but after the 1st September 2009, the old Highland planning application forms will phased out and replaced with new standardised Scottish forms. These new forms can be printed out and completed by hand, or completed electronically and attached to an email to your local planning office. After the 1st September 2009, they should be sent to the new EPC (see next question).
You can view and download the new Scottish forms via the link below:
Note that some existing specialised application forms, such as Marine Fish Farming Planning Applications, will not be replaced by new Scottish forms.
To download planning application forms: Click onto the Scottish Planning Online Portal at www.eplanning.scotland.gov.uk. From the home page click on the tab “Download Forms”. On that page select Highland from the “Application Forms and Guidance Notes Dropdown” …this will then give a list of all forms and guidance notes. Select the one(s) you want and download saving to your hard disk, drive or portable storage device.
Q) What is the EPC?
A) EPC stands for Electronic Processing Centre. After the 1st September 2009, all planning applications will be redirected from local area planning offices to the EPC, or they can be sent directly to the EPC at:
ePlanning Centre
The Highland Council,
Glenurquhart Road,
Inverness,
IV3 5NX
email: eplanning@highland.gov.uk.
Q) How do I make a payment?
A) You can make a payment online with a credit or debit card, or offline by telephone, post or in person.
Full details are available on our ePlanning Payment Options page.
Q) What file formats can I use when attaching plans or associated documents to my planning application?
A) You will be able to use a range of file formats, such as pdf and tiff. For more details, see the ePlanning usage notes (pdf).
Q) There are a series of questions when making an online application about domestic and non-domestic valuation in the Neighbour Notification sector. Where can I get advice and guidance in order to answer these questions?
A) In the first instance, visit the Scottish Assessors National information web site at http://www.saa.gov.uk If the information you require is not available, then contact directly the Highland Assessor Office (which also covers the Western Isles) by phone (01463) 703 311, or email assessor@highland.gov.uk.
Q) What is IDOX Public Access?
A) IDOX Public Access is an online facility that allows Highland customers to view, track and comment on planning applications.
Q) Where can I find the IDOX Public Access?
A) Visit the IDOX Public Access website.
Q) What other functions does the IDOX Public Access have?
A) It provides tracker accounts that send an email alert on applications you indicate that you are interested in and an online facility to make representations about a planning application.
Q) Can I view my application online using the new IDOX Public Access facility?
A) Yes, you can use the IDOX Public Access to view your online application, but not until the Highland Council has validated your application and sent you notification of such, along with a Highland Planning reference number.
Q) Can I view other planning applications online that I might be interested in?
A) Yes, you will be able to make general and specific searches using the IDOX Public Access.
Q) Can I make a representation on an application online?
A) Yes, but at this time, representations will not be made available to view online via the IDOX Public Access facility. There will be a reference made within the case file to indicate that a representation has been received and this indication will be visible online via the IDOX Public Access.
Q) Where can I get help?
A) Ring the ePlanning “hot-line” number (01349) 886 608 or email eplanning@highland.gov.uk.
Q) Where can I find out more information?
A) Pop into any local planning office or Highland Service Point for a leaflet, or visit the Highland Council’s ePlanning web pages at www.highland.gov.uk/eplanning.