Dover District Council adding QR Codes to site notices

As Dover District continues to take a lead in planning for the future, a high-tech solution is now being used to help residents keep up to date with all the latest planning notices.

New technology means it is possible to point your mobile phone at a barcode, and be taken directly to a website where you can instantly read the information you need. Dover District Council is now adding QR (or Quick Response) Codes to planning site notices so that people can instantly follow up information on the notices.

QR Codes are barcodes, which consist of black 'modules' arranged into a square pattern. If you have a barcode-scanning app on your smartphone, you can take a photo of the code and be linked straight to a web page.

Officers place planning site notices around the district informing people about planning applications in the area, and inviting comments. QR Codes are now being added to these site notices and when scanned, the codes, which are free, take people straight through to DDC's planning website, where they can access the full planning application.

Cllr Nicholas Kenton, DDC Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste and Planning said: "We are always looking for ways to continue to improve services, and to help people find the information they need. We are embracing new technology, and are one of the first Councils in the area to use the QR system for site notices, and as many people have smartphones, this is a great way to make information more accessible."