Blackpool Council is providing instant access to live Planning Service information and maps using an advanced web solution from GGP Systems.  The development sees the integration of Blackpool's CRM software with their Geographic Information System (GIS) using eGGP, the 'mapping to web' solution.  eGGP provides a seamless link between the GIS, an address database, and the Council's CRM system that is used in the Council's Customer First centre.

Using eGGP advisors in the Councils Customer First centre can seamlessly access information from the Council's planning service such as listed building status, property based searches and historical planning applications. Searches can be undertaken directly from LAGAN Frontline through an integrated browser and additional information can also be overlaid including the Council's Local Plan and other planning constraints. Since the implementation of this solution the Customer First Advisors have dealt with over 4,000 Planning Service enquiries in only five months.

The integration of customer service tools with the Council's planning systems also ensures that all staff have access to Councils Local Land and Property Gazetteer (LLPG). GGP's NGz gazetteer management system accessed with eGGP provides accurate address information throughout the authority and updates are automatically transferred into the CRM via an overnight update process.

eGGP will also be an integral tool for the provision of information to the public when the Council's website is re-launched later this year. This is in support of forthcoming e-Government legislation and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's (ODPM) Priority Service Outcomes.

"Dynamic access to core Council information enables our Customer First Advisors to view accurate and up to date information through the familiar front end of the CRM. This improves the service they provide to our residents," said Louise Bache ICT Officer with Team Blackpool whose remit is to modernise council services that are offered to the Citizens of Blackpool. "The success of the eGGP solution has shown the potential within the Council for the integration of other service based information within the Customer First Centre and also via our website," she continued.