In recognition of its excellent record of regularly exceeding Government targets in processing planning applications and other planning performance targets, Gosport Borough Council has been awarded a Government Grant.
“The grant has not only allowed us to install an on line planning application system which enables the public to submit and access planning applications on-line, but we are now about to start work on redeveloping our Planning Services reception area to make facilities easier to access,” said Councillor Martyn Davis, Chairman of Regulatory Board at Gosport Borough Council.
“The hard work of our officers in turning applications around has resulted in a grant from the Government to improve public access to our services, in particular in relation to the disabled. That means that once complete, anyone with enquiries relating to Building Control, Development Control, Planning Policy, Conservation & Design, as well as to Hampshire County Council’s Highways Team, will have access to a new and improved reception area on the 3rd floor,” added Councillor Davis.
This will not only provide much improved disabled access but also give public access in general, via PCs, to various databases and websites. A new video link is also planned to enable home owners, builders and agents to communicate directly with officers at the Building Control Partnership based at Fareham Council.
Work on upgrading the 3rd floor reception area will commence on 10 September and is expected to take around 6-8 weeks to complete. During this period, temporary public enquiry arrangements will be established at the reception area on the 2nd floor of the Town Hall. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers during building works but feel sure that once complete, the alterations will greatly improve public accessibility to services.
It must be stressed this project will be fully funded by Government grant and not by Council Tax or the Council’s Capital programme.
