West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council are introducing a new system for members of the public to search and comment on planning applications.
The new ‘IDOX Public Access’ system, set to launch in late January, has been designed to provide an efficient and easy-to-use process for users.
Currently, all comments received on the planning system have to be added manually by officers for them to be publicly visible. Under the new system, comments will appear ‘live’ as soon as they are made allowing for improved efficiency and transparency for users.
Anyone using the system will first need to create a profile to submit comments on applications. This will also enable the opportunity to save searches and track applications as they go through the planning process.
North Dorset District Council has already introduced the system.
Jean Marshall, head of planning at North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “The ease of use of our planning database is at the forefront of any system changes we make. This new system will be significantly more efficient and easy to use for both officers and the public.”
A user guide which will be available when the system is launched.
