Douglas Borough Council’s online building control service is proving popular with users.

Launched 18 months ago in response to customer feedback the service has already recorded more than 440 applications.

Environmental Services Committee Chair Councillor Ritchie McNicholl said: ‘Feedback from users - regular and occasional - has been overwhelmingly positive.

‘This customer-friendly digital service does away with the need for sets of hard-copy drawings, so eliminates paper volumes and is environmentally responsible; this supports the Council’s environmental stewardship objectives as set out in its Corporate Plan. The service has also streamlined the application process and, once applicants have registered, they’re able to make amendments 24/7, while our Building Control Officers can view plans on site.

‘This service reflects how the Council is listening and responding to its customers, and is part of a wider commitment by the Council to be easily accessible and deliver more of its services online, in keeping with how more and more people are choosing to consume and manage their data.’

Martyn Hobson of architectural design consultants Arch Tec (IOM) Ltd said: ‘Many applications in and I can only comment in a positive manner. I would suggest the user experience has, on the whole, been excellent, helped by the staff within the department, who have remained on hand to assist as required.’

Kyle Jones of architectural practice Ellis Brown said: ‘I would just like to mention how easy and efficient it is to use the online submission software. In particular this relates to the uploading of a project and any amendments that may need to be made during the submission period. The reduction in use of paper is certainly a huge help, mostly during larger scale projects where multiple floor plans and sections are required.

‘I have to say, and I can probably speak on behalf of us all here at Ellis Brown, that the current online submission and future use of it gets a thoroughly deserved “thumbs up”.’

To find out more and to register for the service click here.