Construction professionals welcome fee request feature as Building Control service
Construction professionals welcome fee request feature as Building Control service simplifies payment processes with new improvements
Planning Portal’s new integrated Building Control service has been used to submit over 4,500 applications in the six months since it was launched to simplify the process for construction professionals and Building Control Bodies alike.
This milestone coincides with our recently launch of a new feature, following feedback from users, that allows applicants to submit a fee request and make payment without the need to leave the portal.
With the ability to pull through key information from planning applications, track the progress of multiple submissions and receive direct communications from the building control body, the service creates a single space for the entire planning journey. The addition of the new fee request feature means the need to manage multiple lines of contact are a thing of the past, speeding up the process for users.
When submitting a building control application through the portal, construction professionals will be asked if they want to link their application to their planning submission, removing the need to resubmit required data. Supporting documents can be uploaded in a PDF, JPEG, JPG or PNG format, streamlining the process for users.
After completing the necessary details, the request will be sent to the building control body for review.
Upon completion, construction professionals will be notified via email that a fee has been added to their application on the Building Control Portal. Once this has been received, users will be asked to confirm the fee and pay using the secure payment service. This is sent directly to the building control body through the platform.
Alternatively, building control bodies can request additional documentation to support their decision making such as clarifications to plans.
Since its launch in April 2024, more than 100 building control bodies have signed up to the portal so that construction professionals looking to apply for building consent can do so in a single space.
Geoff Keal, CEO of TerraQuest, the operator of Planning Portal, said: “By making this update to the Building Control service, those looking to gain approval to continue with their project no longer have to email or call their local council to understand how much their application will cost. Having the entire process in one online space means construction professionals can easily apply, view, amend and receive the go-ahead without having to keep track of various forms of communication.”
The development of the Building Control service is a key step in streamlining and digitalising the building control application process for all users looking to gain approval for their projects. Using a single sign-on, both the general public and businesses such as architects and contractors can make the most of the usability and interface enhancements that save both time and money.
Geoff continued: “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 ensure a smooth journey. Now that we’re six months into service, this achievement helps cement us as the home of planning and building control.”
