The Planning Portal is the first point of call for anyone who wants to find out about the planning system in England and Wales. It is aimed at everyone, from central government and local authorities to planning professionals and the lay person. It provides facilities for finding out if planning permission is required and how to get it. It also gives access to local development plans. 243 councils are linked to the portal and the remaining 167 are due to link up in the next 12 months. The Portal was developed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and implemented by RightNow Technologies.The Planning Portal is at: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/wps/portal/action/ChangePage/.pg/6e/.reqid/1?section=HOME