Isle of Wight Council relaunches ‘officer of the day’ walk-in service

The Isle of Wight Council is set to relaunch its ‘officer of the day’ walk-in service next week as part of a wider package of measures being introduced following outcomes of the LGA Peer Review.

It is hoped that this will help with issuing decisions more quickly and improving customer service provided by the council’s planning department.

The service, aimed at making the planning process as accessible as possible for applicants and agents, will provide in-person, face-to-face initial and high-level, informal advice at the council’s offices in Seaclose.

The service will launch on Wednesday 31 January, initially from 2pm to 5pm, with potential for extended hours depending on interest. This service will complement the information available on the council’s website and the formal, paid-for pre-application advice which is currently being reviewed.   

Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, said: “Following feedback from stakeholders, I was really enthusiastic to ensure our planning officers had a better and visible open connection with residents who are trying to navigate the planning process.

“Certainly, in many of the calls I receive, seeing an officer face-to-face providing advice and support to residents was something that was missed and needed to be restored.

“From what I’ve experienced, I know often it can be the simplest of planning issues that can cause the biggest concerns to many local residents.

“By knowing that there is an officer available to actually see and speak to is something, I was personally keen to address as a priority. Addressing this issue will help ensure questions and queries about submitting a planning application can be addressed in person.”