Council allocated £400,000 funding to simplify planning application submissions for local residents
Camden Council has been allocated £400,000 by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities to progress work to create a new online system for the submission and processing of planning applications.
The RIPA system (Reducing Invalid Planning Applications) aims to make the application process simpler for residents, automating elements of the application process and reducing the chances of submitted an invalid application – reducing wasted time of those using the system and the council reviewing incomplete applications.
This will be supported by a new Back Office Planning System, which will handle the submitted data in a way which makes it easier to use and reduces the time that is spent on administration.
“We want council services and systems that work efficiently and simply for local residents. That’s why I am delighted that this funding for Camden has now been confirmed as it will allow us to test these new digital systems in the borough.
“By making the application process simpler, the RIPA system will reduce the chance of someone accidently submitting an incorrect application, which can then cause delay and extra cost for both the resident and the council.
“This new system will also make it easier for us to present relevant information to residents, applicants, and other service users, helping to ensure that the planning application process becomes more transparent and accessible for everyone.”
The council is aiming to implement and test the new system, for certain application types, by the summer.