Technology could help save cash

Businesses or members of the public could be required to submit all planning applications for the Kirklees area online.

Senior councillors in Kirklees will meet to discuss proposals for all applications, where possible, to be submitted online - a move which council chiefs say will save time and money.

Those using the system will do so electronically through the Government’s Planning Portal. The authority already receives almost half of its applications online but that will increase if the proposals are passed by members of Kirklees Council’s cabinet committee when it meets on July 3.

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A report to members says: “Nationally approximately £285m has been saved by the submission of planning applications online with proven cost and efficiency savings for both applicants and the Local Planning Authorities who assess and determine each application.

“A report by KPMG states that savings are made by applicants of a minimum of £120 per application by submitting online. Savings are many times more for larger or more complex applications,” the report adds.

If the changes are backed the scheme would be formally launched in the coming weeks.