The Planning Portal website that provides a one-stop shop for processing planning applications and accessing guidance, is now accepting expressions of interest for investment to ensure it's enhanced to deliver a more comprehensive service and exploit further commercial opportunities, Planning Minister Nick Boles has announced.

The website is an important service that helps boost growth by ensuring the planning system can be swiftly and efficiently navigated. The business occupies a unique market position and hosts significant quantities of valuable data on the industry and the development pipeline, such 'big data' opens up significant commercial opportunities.

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The Department for Communities and Local Government is now seeking indicative bids and innovative ideas, to help decide the best options for the investment future of the Portal and to improve the website. This is an exciting commercial opportunity for an experienced partner to work alongside the department.

All planning authorities in England and Wales are linked to the Portal and the business hosts significant quantities of data on the construction industry and future developments.

Mr Boles said: "There is huge potential to take the Planning Portal to the next level and provide a tool for both homeowners and businesses, including generating benefits from the data that it holds.

"We have built a business that is well run and has a strong brand but now is the time to look for investment for the site to fulfil its full potential. We are committed to improving the Portal and bringing in external expertise is the best way to ensure the site works at its very best in the future."

(CD/JP)