ePIC: electronic Planning Information for Citizens

What is ePIC

On the 3rd February 2003, Planning Service published the 'Modernising Planning Processes Implementation Plan', which was a radical review of the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the planning process.

Following preparatory work, an e-Planning programme was initiated in July 2003 and, since then, significant steps have been taken towards the implementation of a comprehensive, new e-Planning solution to underpin the challenging business objectives outlined in the plan.
The Electronic Planning Information for the Citizen Project (e-PIC) is the Electronic Service Delivery aspect of the Modernising Planning Processes programme and the project will implement the required ICT solution to underpin the challenging change programme.

For the Citizen, e-PIC will deliver new and improved ways for the community to access the information and services of the Planning Service.  It aims to deliver an improved faster, more transparent, and better quality service. It will provide a “portal” for online submission of planning applications

For Consultees, e-PIC will allow access to information required to make decisions or to be involved in decision making.  In addition it will provide up to date planning policies and area plan coverage.

For Planning Service staff, will make optimum use of ICT to re-engineer, streamline and/or automate the current Planning Service business processes which in turn should allow Planning Service staff to focus on the provision of an excellent service to the citizens of Northern Ireland.  In addition it will facilitate online issuing of property certificates, enable faster quality decision-making and improve the sharing of information with consultees.

The key benefits of the e-PIC solution will be:-

• An Internet “portal”, incorporating all e-Government technical standards that will enable customers to submit, and track the progress of planning applications on-line in a secure environment.
• A more simplified application process that facilitates online submission
• When submitting applications online, facilities will include a save & return later functionality, volume & fee calculators, and site plotting.
• An on-line Property Certificate service available through the portal;
• The provision of  the paper-based Statutory Planning Register in electronic format on the Internet website;
• Facilities to enable online consultation (or via electronic data exchange) with statutory consultees, amenity groups, neighbours and local Councils;
• Facilities to enable the public, or any interested party, to search for applications, to comment electronically on proposed developments and to view all relevant information (e.g. planning policies, development plan policies, design guides, guidance listings, statutory charges, etc) relevant to an identified area;
• Online help for the user to walk them through the application process.