Paperwork at the Department of Planning that has held up the approval of building permits is getting a digital tool to speed up the process, from today.

The mechanism, SAFEbuilt, offers extra technical plan reviewing to accelerate the clearing of permits while adhering to building standards. It will not replace staff or alter the existing approval processes.

Its use was announced by the Ministry for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, which aims to overhaul government services using digital tools.

Diallo Rabain, the minister, said: “We heard the concerns. Delays in building permit processing affect homeowners, contractors and the broader economy.”

The planning department remains the statutory decision-making authority under the Building Act 1988 and building codes.

Applicants may receive correspondence from SAFEbuilt representatives during the review, and the ministry will monitor the impact of SAFEbuilt and issue updates on measurable improvements in processing times.

The planning department can be reached at 297-7756 or online at planning.gov.bm.