The planning department at Dudley Council is changing the way it consults with local people when planning applications are received.

As of October 2nd, residents will no longer receive direct letters when a planning application is made by their neighbours. Instead, the council has set up a new email alert system called 'My Alerts'.

Residents, businesses or any interested people need to subscribe to receive an alert when a new planning application is registered within their selected vicinity. Site notices nearby will still be posted.

This is one of a number of changes taking place in Dudley Council’s planning department from 2nd October. Additionally, costs to pre-application advice will be introduced, new processes for planning enforcement will be implemented and homeowners will have automatic approval for extensions, subject to them complying with the Local Development Order. Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:

“These changes focus on creating a smoother, quicker and cheaper process for those wanting to make changes to their home, as well as utilising the digital platform in a more practical way.

"In addition, this is a more cost effective way for the council to operate, freeing up time for staff to focus on large scale developments in our local area.”

These changes will come into effect on October 2nd, and further details of the individual changes can be accessed here.