Witney News - Planning applications can now be viewed on-line

Planning applications can now be viewed on-line

In another move to make the planning process more convenient, any planning application submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council since the beginning of January can now be viewed online.

This means that anyone, anywhere with access to the internet can simply log on to the Council's website from work or at home and see complete details of the application, including site plans, drawings, photographs and documentation submitted in support of the proposed development.

“Online viewing removes the need for a trip to council offices to see the plans at first hand,” says Ian Morrow, Head of Planning for the District Council.

“This could be particularly useful for anyone with concerns about a development proposed in their own neighbourhood.

“For businesses and other bodies with a potential interest in the application, viewing plans and details online saves time and money, particularly since copies can be printed off for reference as necessary in-house.

“Online viewing is just the latest stage of making the planning process in West Oxfordshire and elsewhere more consistent, efficient and easier for anyone to use.”

Since the beginning of the year, anyone submitting a planning application to the District Council online has been able to use an application form that will become standard right across England and Wales from April.

Applicants using this online system only need to submit a single form and one copy of each plan.

Although people making paper-based applications still need to submit extra copies, it is hoped to streamline the system over time to save on the volume of paper currently required.