MEMBERS of the public can now view and submit comments on planning applications online.

The service has been introduced by the Department of Infrastructure's planning and building control division.

David Quirk MHK, department member with responsibility for planning, said: "This is a major improvement to the planning service allowing the public much easier access to view planning applications.

"We are confident it will prove to be a much used resource.

"We are considering further enhancements to the system including the availability of historic planning data, the ability to comment on Local Plans, further facilities to search the planning applications and the ability to submit planning applications online.

"So much of day-to-day life takes place online now, be it dealing with your banking, paying bills, arranging your travel details or catching up on TV shows you've missed.

"It makes sense, therefore, for government to embrace online opportunities and make it easier for the public to get involved with the work it does."

For further information and for details about other online government services see www.gov.im/onlineservices/