Planning Departments are beginning to take an active interest in using the Internet to deliver information to, and collect it from the public. At the top of the league are London Borough of Wandsworth making available its Planning Register on the Internet; and Cheshire County Environmental Planning Department breaking pioneering ground in publishing environmental information. Our pick of the Net is set out below.
Wandsworth Borough Council Planning Register
Access to the full Register of planning applications, including the ability to view the completed application forms and plans (with the 'Wandsworth Viewer' which you download) and to E-mail back your comments. A first in the Planning world which deserves to be highly commended. Great for viewing schemes for the Battersea Power Station!
Cheshire Environment and Planning
Another first for Planning in the wide amount of environmental information provided, which includes Agenda 21, Structure Plan, sustainable transport and related information.
Devon County Planning Department
An ambitious site which displays the Devon 2011 - Structure Plan (First Draft Review) for public consultation.
North Wiltshire District Planning
Also providing lists and details of current planning applications on the Internet.
Lancashire County Planning Department
Providing a range of information about the Planning Department and its services.
Dorset County Planning Department
Another County actively promoting Planning information.
Newcastle City Planning Department
Just being set up, and currently only provides information on Cycling!
London Borough of Brent - Planning Services
Again, an embryo site which will become more interesting once its Planning Handbook is set up.
Western Isles Development Services
Particularly aimed at bringing development to Western Isles, it includes some attractive maps.
The Royal Town Planning Institute's Web Site
Just announced in the Planning Press during February 1997, this is the first stage in development of the site, which will eventually provide a wealth of valuable information for RTPI members and anyone with an interest in the planning process. The site highlights the leading articles within 'Planning Week', promotes the Institute's Press Releases, Policy Statements and publications and includes sections on 'careers' and 'events'. Feedback from visitors on the content of the site, and how it should develop, is welcomed.
The first Planning Aid web site on the Net, which has set the standard, for others to follow.
RTPI East Midlands Branch - Homepage
Not to be left out, the Royal Town Planning Institute Branches are beginning to look at Intenet technology, led here by the East Midlands.
PlanWeb is designed by Town Planners for Town Planners and the Land and Property Professions. Our site is experimental so please send us feed-back on what you think, together with any items of Internet News, interesting sites, or other topics which you would like to see included. If you've spotted a good Planning Department/Organisation Site that we've missed out, then please let us know so that we can include it. E-mail to Peter Thorpe at peter@ptcon.co.uk
