Ocella Software Systems Limited has launched the first Connector for the Planning Portal e-Consultation Hub. The Hub Connector provides a fully integrated online consultation solution for Local Planning Authorities. Ocella was the first to respond to the demand of its customers in delivering the connector to the market. The Hub is the only e-consultation method which actively works to improve standards in planning – a key part of the recent Killian Pretty recommendations – and delivers the full benefits of a joined up e-planning system.
South Oxfordshire District Council has been working in partnership with Ocella during the development phase and has been the pilot site for the first connector. The pilot was a success and South Oxfordshire District Council went live with the connector on 30 September. It is now reaping the benefits.
Angie Paterson, cabinet member for planning at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We were really happy with the results of the pilot and are looking forward to reaping the benefits the e-Consultation Hub offers. We are proud to be leading the way as the first fully connected LPA using the Hub.”
Every year more than a million consultations are carried out by LPAs following planning application submissions. A third of these are with Statutory Consultees, many of whom have agreed to adopt the national hub as their preferred method of consultation. Currently many LPAs have to submit paper copies of their applications to consultees.
Local authority clients who implement the new Ocella e-Consultation Connector will gain a range of benefits including:
* Automatic sending and receiving of consultation requests and responses from the hub into the back office system
* Time and cost savings in loading and downloading consultation requests onto the hub
* Process efficiencies including automatic notification of decisions to consultees
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115316731798.html
