The transformation of Dorset Council’s planning services is being discussed at the next Cabinet meeting (8 December).
The report is a review of the services by The Planning Advisory Service that took place within the council’s first year.
One of the ten key recommendations was to combine the six legacy planning systems into one single software platform . This would provide good functionality for customers and a simple workflow and performance management.
The planning convergence and transformation project is underway to achieve this crucial step. This project will clear the backlog, converge the 6 systems into one system, then transform the planning service around our customers, improving communication and making the most of new technology The first phase to transfer information from the former North Dorset District Council has been completed. Data from West Dorset will be transferred in January, followed by the remaining legacy council systems.
During the transfer process there is a period where comments cannot be made on the system. This is communicated to all those interested in the process with an extension of deadlines if needed.
Initially the new system may have less functionality for customers than they previously had, but once the transfer of data is complete work will start on transforming the user experience of our planning portal.
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council Portfolio holder for planning said:
“This is an important piece of work. Everyone is working hard to ensure that all the information is transferred and accessible for our customers to use.
“I ask that people bear with us where they have experienced a lack of functionality or delay caused by the outage that happens during transfer. I understand that this can be frustrating, but we are working to make the system better and more user-friendly.”
During the project the planning service has continued to function receiving 796 planning applications between July and September. A total of 800 planning decisions were issued within this time. Many applications need to be consulted on so there is a delay between submitting an application and the resulting decision.
Welcome the changes to amalgamate the legacy systems into one new one and looking forward to a better experience. I hope you will remember that Town & Parish Councils are amongst your customers and ensure that they retain the ability to fully access applications in their areas throughout the changeover period (with comment date extensions if necessary).
I also hope you will liaise with them, as well as other customers, to provide the most useful and cost effective solutions for everyone
I am trying to establish what future plans are in hand to deal with the total lack of transport facilities currently within Gillingham. We have an ever growing population with no local transport facilities available to residents other than a car ( like myself I no longer have the use of one ) good quality shopping available but absolutely no means of using it other than walking which is not always possible as we get older I am 85. Having been an ex President of the then hugely successful Chamber of Commerce and Trade I feel I could offer some thoughts on moving forward. Jerry Anderson
We need to know when West Dorset planning applications will be back online for review and comment.
Deadlines for comments on planning applications must be extended during this time
Hi Alstair – We will be extending the deadline for comments etc for the same number of days as we are offline. We are working to get it back up as soon as possible. This is a complex project with multiple batches of data. As soon as we are back up I will publicise the fact. Fiona
We appreciate that system upgrades are necessary from time to time and we look forward to using the resulting improvement in functionality. However, is this upgrade process impeding current planning award decisions?
Hi David – The timing has had to be carefu to fit between planning committees to make sure it doesn’t hinder the decision process. Fiona
What please happens to my comment on the live application for The Rookery, Burton Bradstock?
Surely it will not be denied publication by an administrative procedure.
Your comments welcome.
Thanks
John Grantham
Hi John – All information will be transferred as part of the data. We are in the process of testing to make sure this has happened so nothing is missed. Fiona
I wish to view and comment on an application that closes on 25th January.
When will access to the system for North Dorset planning applications be open again please?
Hi Freddy – As soon as we are satisfied that all the information has been transferred successfully you will have access. We are extending deadlines that fall into the offline period.Fiona
can you please confirm when we will be able to view and comment upon planning applications. received a letter from DCC application P/OUT/2020/00414 asking for comments by 2nd February. But your planning portal is not accessible.
HI Toby – As soon as we are satisfied that all the information has been transferred successfully you will have access. We are extending deadlines that fall into the offline period.Fiona
Hi Toby – there is access for the North and West area planning applications today. We have more maintenance planned for this week. We will keep you up to date with progress. Fiona
I can confirm that both North area and West area planning systems are up and running – the migration has been succesful. Fiona