Stockton Council in County Durham remains the only authority in the country to offer a comprehensive online planning application and review service.

And locals are being urged to make use of the new technology, which is not only available 24 hours a day, but is also quicker and more practical than typical printed planning application services.

It is not only homeowners seeking planning permission that need take heed, since the new service is also being touted as the best way to examine and comment on submitted proposals.

"Our online system makes it possible for people to easily examine every single planning application submitted to the council," explained local councillor Mick Stoker, chair of the Planning Committee in Stockton.

"Local residents can see what is being planned for homes, buildings and land in their neighbourhood and express their views," he added.

Carol Straughan, head of planning, said: "Instead of having to travel to Gloucester House in Stockton town centre to get details, all they have to do now is simply log on to the internet."

Introduced in 2004, the online process has succeeded in reducing paperwork, as well as administration, since there are now fewer invalid applications.