Minister Brandon Lewis confirmed business support company TerraQuest is the preferred bidder and he said the move would increase investment in the Portal service and ensure it continues to deliver a high quality service for years to come.
The Planning Portal is an online, one-stop shop for processing planning applications, with more than 85% of applications in England and Wales now going through that system.
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The government announced last year that it was open to investment from a commercial partner who could continue to develop the service.
Minister Lewis said: "More than 85% of planning applications are being submitted through the Planning Portal - it was essential that we found a way to secure its long-term future.
"So I'm pleased that TerraQuest has been appointed as the preferred bidder to take over the running of the Planning Portal to build the business further and ensure it continues to play a vital role in the planning system for years to come."
(CD/MH)
