Enhanced ePlanning goes live in the Highlands on Tuesday 23rd February
From Tuesday 23rd February, all planning applications received by The Highland Council will be processed electronically by a team of seven staff based at the Council’s electronic processing centre in Inverness. Scanned and validated applications will be available to view on the Council’s web site: http://wam.www.highland.gov.uk/wam/
Applicants and agents can still submit planning applications by post via PO Box 5740, Inverness IV1 9DH. However, an increasing number of applicants are using the online facility which is proving to be a fast and efficient method of submitting applications. 400 online applications have been received since the introduction of eplanning in May of last year.
The Highland Council is taking part in a Scottish Government initiative aimed at making the planning system simpler, faster and more efficient, providing a consistent level of service throughout the country.
Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of the Council’s Planning Environment and Development Committee, said: “eplanning streamlines the planning process and enhances the way we deliver our services. In a rural area, such as the Highlands, the benefits will be all the more apparent. Customers can submit online a planning application using the new web access, apeal against decisions and track the progress of proposals. Maps, plans and other associated documents can be attached. Planning fees can also be made online using a credit or debit card.”
For customer convenience, payments associated with an online applications can also be made using cheque or cash at any of The Highland Council’s 37 Service Points or 8 Area Planning offices or by using the Council’s credit/debit telephone line quoting the online reference number of the application.
Full details of these payment options along with Frequently Asked Questions on how to use and access the new online systems is available here, or help is available by contacting the ePlanning hotline number 01349 886608 or emailing eplanning@highland.gov.uk