Members of the public and agents interested in finding out more about new developments proposed in the Western Isles can now access planning application details on-line thanks to a new service implemented by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Planning Service. The Planning Information Public Access System is part of the Comhairle’s commitment to meeting the Government’s plans to modernise the planning system and make it more efficient, inclusive and accessible.

The Public access system allows users to view new planning application information on-line using a range of search criteria. Planning information can be searched using case numbers selected from the weekly list of planning applications or by property address. The information displayed will include the applicant and agents name and address, type of application and date of receipt, the status of the application, the decision taken, the date of the decision, the ward name, and scanned digital images of the proposal. The location of each application can be identified from either the scanned location plan or by using the Ordnance Survey based map data. Comments concerning planning applications can also be made directly on-line.

Norman A MacDonald, Chair of the Comhairle’s Environment and Protective Services Committee commented “The Public Access System will make it much easier for the community to access and engage with the planning process avoiding the need in many cases of a time-consuming journey to the area office to view the paper records. We are very pleased to be launching this new service and hope it will be well used.”

Public Access for Planning is simply accessed by visiting the Comhairle website on www.cne-siar.gov.uk and clicking on “Planning Service” and then the 'Online planning information' option from the menu on the Planning Service homepage. The Planning Service Homepage also has a wide range of planning information including the Western Isles Development Plan, (Structure Plan and Local Plan), Planning application forms, projects and initiatives being managed through the Planning service and links through to other services.