THE TOWN PLANNING DEPARTMENT is just a click away.

That Government department launched its website – www.townplanning.gov.bb – during an official ceremony at Sherbourne Conference Centre Monday.

In brief remarks, Chief Town Planner Mark Cummins said the website would not only provide the public with information, but would receive queries from the public as well. He said it was a key component of the department's three-year strategic plan.

The website will function in three phases.

In the first, prospective applicants and existing customers would be able to access information about the department's mandate, planning policies and advice on the submission of application forms.

The second phase would involve access to a registry of applications submitted to the Chief Town Planner as well as the ability to check the status of any formal application.

In the third phase, the on-line services would be extended to include total and partial processing of application forms, among other services.

Cummins said it was important to embrace technology in order to advance the way the department conducted business from now on.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur lauded the move, adding that other Government departments like Land Tax and Registration would also be on the web by November. (JW)