Luton Borough Council Expands DataSpace to Planning

Like many forward thinking local authorities, Luton Borough Council chose to expand its DataSpace Technical Document Management software across to Planning.

DataSpace for Planning is now used alongside the existing DataSpace for Submit-a-plan system to receive and manage both paper and electronic applications made on the Planning Portal and Submit-a-plan. Head of the Planning Service Ian Slater said:

“We chose to expand Resolution’s DataSpace Technical Document Management System across to Planning as it was the only solution that met all our requirements. The new system not only allows Luton to work more dynamically and efficiently but also ensures even higher service levels to our partners and customers.”

 Paper Applications

Luton chose to use Resolution’s My Virtual Mail Room Bureau Service to scan all daily paper applications. My Virtual Mail Room provides a simple method of preparing, tracking and posting paper applications ready for scanning by the Resolution Bureau.

The service provides an efficient way to notify the Resolution Scanning Bureau of impending applications. It also gives Luton the ability to track and trace online any given application through the scanning process up to and including its electronic reception into DataSpace. The service gives Luton a guaranteed turnaround time and provides significant financial savings when compared to in-house scanning.

Back Office Integration

As with Building Control DataSpace for Planning features a fully seamless integration with Luton’s existing CAPS UNI-form system. This means when an application is made on the Planning Portal all of the details entered on the online form will populate the fields in UNI-form avoiding any manual inputting of data. The DataGate Link also allows UNI-form to use DataSpace via the linked ID to view any associated plans and documents.

Public Access

Public access at Luton is provided by DataSpace PlanNet working in tandem with CAPS Public Access. PlanNet Public Access enables all current as well as historic applications to be viewed online.