Hello All
I have had a strange issue with a council which refused to accept and register my application which I submitted by email to them. They said they do not accept emailed applications unless they come via the Planning Portal. I pointed out that the Portal is a thrid party and there is no legal requirement to use their service however the council are sticking to their guns on this.
On review of the legislation in the DMPO 2015, I believe the council are legally required to accept an emailed application in the same way they would accept a paper application. Article 2, paragraphs (2) to (7) of the DMPO make it clear that an emailed application should be lodged and is equivalent to a written application. I also contacted the Planning Portal's legal team who advised they rely on these exact paragraphs of legislation to submit applications!
Surely it is therefore unlawful for the council to refuse to accept an emailed application from anyone other than the Planning Portal? The PPG also makes multiple encouragements to apply electronically to LPAs. Has anyone else encountered this or does your LPA take this position with emailed applications?
