The local authority won an award in the 'Process' Category of the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning, as well as being recognised in the 'Place' Category for its work on the Nucleus Building in Wick.
The first accolade recognised the council's work to implement a Highland eDevelopment project, which has seen over 6,000 planning and building standards applications and enquiries submitted, assessed and determined electronically, avoiding significant printing costs and delivering an enhanced service for customers.
The project has involved significant changes to the way the planning service works. A fully electronic process now compliments Enterprise, the team's workload management system, meaning that workload is easily transferred across a network of seven area offices if workload issues or staff absences prove it necessary.
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The achievement involves a full review of how planners process all applications (including pre-application requests), the implementation of a mobile working solution for all staff and significant engagement with customers and stakeholders. This has resulted in the council having one of the highest rates of electronic submission in Scotland (over 90%) as well as receiving praise from the Scottish Government.
The second award concerned the Planning team's involvement with the new Nucleus building in Wick.
Planning permission was granted in early 2015 for a building for archives of the UK civil nuclear industry and the historical archives of Caithness and the 'Nucleus', which opened in February 2017.
The proposal was subject to pre-application discussions with relevant consultees, coordinated by the Council. The pre-application facilitated a partnership approach and professional knowledge sharing at the outset. Matters identified were addressed by the applicant, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Speaking on the council being recognised for its eDevelopment project, Councillor Allan Henderson, said: "The Judges could see how this project has really increased efficiency and as both customer and staff feedback has been so positive we are already rolling out the approach to other application types. Everyone involved should feel proud of their input and commitment to what is being hailed as an example of good practice for other councils to follow."
On the local authority's award in the 'Place' category, Councillor Henderson added: "In order to deliver the development, on time, the planning team moved quickly and effectively to deliver so I am pleased their professionalism has been acknowledged by the judges and I congratulate them on winning their award."
(LM/JP)
