Planning and Building Control Software

Description

Plymouth, a dynamic city on England’s south coast, is renowned for its rich maritime heritage and evolving urban landscape. As the city grows, Plymouth City Council (PCC) faces the challenge of maintaining efficient administrative and regulatory services. Currently, the council utilises a comprehensive software system to manage planning, building control and other regulatory services. However, with the demands of a modernising city, PCC recognises the need for an updated system that can better support its operations and enhance service delivery to its customers and residents. The requirements for a comprehensive system designed to manage pre-application planning, planning applications, planning appeals, planning enforcement, building control applications, building control enforcement and highways-related functionalities. The goal of this system is to streamline processes, enhance user experience, ensure data security, and provide robust reporting capabilities. Delt Shared Services, a strategic partner of Plymouth City Council, plays a crucial role in managing and supporting the council's IT infrastructure. Recognising the limitations of the current software, Delt Shared Services has advised PCC on the necessity of transitioning to a new system that can more effectively handle the city's administrative needs. This collaborative approach ensures that the council’s requirements are thoroughly understood and addressed, leading to a more streamlined and efficient process for all stakeholders involved. To achieve this transition, Plymouth City Council, with the support of Delt Shared Services, is initiating a tender process to identify the most suitable replacement for their current software. The objective is to procure a system based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria, ensuring that the selected solution provides the best value for money while meeting the council’s operational needs. This process will involve a thorough evaluation of potential systems, considering factors such as functionality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, to ensure that the new system will effectively support PCC's objectives and contribute to the city's continued growth and development. Lot 1: We are seeking to appoint a provider for a comprehensive planning and building control management software, commencing in July 2025 for a 5-year period. A mobilisation phase will be required leading up to the go-live date to ensure full system readiness and seamless delivery. Key Deliverables Planning Management: The system must support efficient management of statutory planning processes, including pre-application inquiries, applications, appeals, and enforcement. It should automate online submissions, data entry, document validation, and payment processing. Integration with third-party platforms such as the Planning Portal, Microsoft 365, and GIS is essential. Public access must enable users to search, track, and comment on applications, with live performance dashboards for monitoring. Building Control: The system must facilitate end-to-end management of building control applications, compliance, enforcement, and dangerous structures. It should automate task generation, notifications, fee tracking, and inspection record management. Integration with the Building Safety Regulator is required, along with secure document handling and data exports. Highway Management: The software must manage Highway Legal Agreements, including Section 278 and 38 Agreements. It should automate bond calculations, track the legal process, and integrate with planning and GIS systems. System Constraints The system must be user-friendly, require minimal training for basic tasks, and avoid single points of failure. End-to-end functionality must be achieved without relying on multiple systems.