Enhancing our building control platform for local authorities: October updates
Enhancing our building control platform for local authorities: October updates
Last month, Planning Portal partnered with local authorities to refine our services and ensure the building control platform meets their specific needs. As part of this initiative, we hosted virtual workshops with local authority Building Control Bodies (BCBs) to discuss the challenges and opportunities within building control processes. The sessions were highly engaging, with attendees sharing their experiences, pain points, and valuable insights.
One of the highlights was a live demonstration of our integrated Planning and Building Control Portal, which received enthusiastic responses from participants. We are eager to see how these insights will influence our future developments.
If you missed the workshop and would like some more guidance on the platform, please book a meeting with our expert team.
In addition, we announced the recent new feature that empowers BCBs to offer end-to-end online applications. Since the platform’s launch in April 2024, over 100 building control bodies have signed up, resulting in over 4,500 applications submitted in just six months.
This new feature, designed alongside local authorities, allows users to directly request fee calculations through the platform, streamlining the process and reducing the need for multiple communications with BCBs. Users will be notified via email when a fee is added to their application, and they can confirm and pay securely through the portal. This efficient system minimises administrative burdens on BCBs and enhances user experience by providing a single space for managing all planning and building control activities.
Here are three key takeaways from our workshops:
- A push for standardisation and demystifying processes.
- Prioritising digitisation to simplify and enhance the application process.
- Continued collaboration is essential for delivering smarter solutions.
Geoff Keal, CEO of TerraQuest, the operator of Planning Portal, said: “Our goal for the Building Control site is to create a singular space where local authorities can manage and approve applications in a streamlined way that benefits them. Following feedback that we received from those approving applications, the addition of the fee request service shall mean that the need for multiple lines of contact with building control bodies will be a thing of the past.
“Our in-house team continuously strives to ensure that the Building Control service remains up to date with the latest legislative changes and enhancements to create a smooth journey for both building control bodies and users. Now that we’re six months into service, this achievement helps cement us as the home of planning and building control.”
Thank you to everyone who participated. Your feedback is crucial in driving our innovation. If you’re interested in contributing further, we invite you to join our user research group. Share your thoughts by emailing us at userresearch@terraquest.co.uk.
