Havering planning applications to benefit from funding boost
Havering Council has been awarded £150,000 in funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
The amount represents the full funding available for the Modern Planning Software project and it will benefit the Council’s Platforms and Integrations Programme to deliver a user-centred planning pre-application process.
Eight councils will lead the new 12-week Pathfinder projects which will explore ways to enhance the planning software they already use by working with their service provider.
The enhancements are designed to be user-centred and to make better use of the data related to Havering planning applications, opening up new opportunities to improve the accessibility, transparency and efficiency of these services.
The funding boost will improve the reporting of planning data, making records more easily accessible, increase process efficiency and share best practice with other Local Planning Authorities.
This will streamline the planning process for residents (especially homeowners) and businesses who want to receive advice before they submit a planning application.
Cllr Joshua Chapman, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“This funding award from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is a huge boost for Havering.
“Only eight councils were selected to be lead this new Pathfinder project and it will provide real tangible benefits to improve the planning process for residents and businesses alike throughout the borough.”
An official event on 1 February 2022 will take place with the other successful Local Planning Authorities to start the 12-week project period.