Important changes to planning and land charging services

We are updating the software behind our Planning and Land Charges services, to ensure it remains reliable, supported, and able to meet future service needs. The current system is nearing the end of its support lifecycle, which means it will no longer receive essential updates. Moving to a new system is a significant step; we appreciate that the change in layout and functionality may feel different at first. 

During the transition period, there will be some downtime and temporary changes to how some requests are submitted and processed. This page sets out what you can expect and how to send us information while the work is underway. 

To help you prepare, we will also provide step‑by‑step videos demonstrating the new system and showing how to complete key tasks. These resources will be available before the new system goes live, and links will be added to this page as they become available. Please check back regularly for updates and training materials. 

Key dates: 

• Planning system downtime: 9–23 April 2026 

• Land Charges system downtime:  9 – 30 April 2026 

• New planning system goes live: 23–24 April 2026  

Planning applications:  

• During the downtime, we will continue processing planning applications. However, we will not be able to register applications, carry out consultations, or issue decisions. To keep things moving as smoothly as possible, we are prioritising applications that are valid on receipt so we can avoid unnecessary delays for customers. We will look at incomplete applications as capacity allows.

Tree works applications:  

• Tree works applications can be submitted by email during the downtime period.  

• Once the new system is live, please resume using the online form. 

TPO requests:  

• You can continue to submit Tree Preservation Order (TPO) requests through our webform during the downtime.

Enforcement enquiries:  

• Please continue submitting enforcement enquiries via the online form or contact Customer Services by phone or email.

Building Control submissions:  

• Building Control submissions will continue as normal.  

• Please continue submitting applications via PDF form. 

Comments on planning applications:  

• Please send comments on planning applications by email to registration@southandvale.gov.uk. 

• Comments cannot be submitted online during downtime. 

Online registers:  

• Planning and related registers will remain available to view during the downtime, but they will be read‑only. 

• They will not be updated until the new system goes live.

Pre-applications:  

• Pre‑application enquiries can still be submitted via the PDF form. 

• Registration and processing will be delayed until after the new system goes live. 

Land Charges: 

• We will be unable to process Local Land Charges search requests. 

• It is anticipated that searches will be accepted from 30th April 2026. There will be a delay in processing of searches because of the downtime beyond the normal eight-day turnaround period. The anticipated return timeframe for searches will be 20 days from the date of acceptance