Winchester City Council planners moved offices this weekend to provide a more convenient and effective service for residents.

On Friday 18 May the Avalon House offices in Chesil Street closed, and the entire planning service can now be found at City Offices in Colebrook Street.

The planning and building control services will both be based in City Offices and appointments can be made to see officers in the newly expanded reception. Facilities to look at plans both on paper and on-line will be available, and all calls for the planning service will be handled by the customer service team on 01962 848 293.

This move is the latest in a series of changes at the council to make our services more efficient and to allow residents to have one clear point of contact for all our services. By consolidating staff on to one site the council also hopes to save money and work in new ways such as hot-desking and home working to provide a better working environment for staff. By making the best use of space across the council, money normally spent on accommodation can be put back into services that directly effect residents.

Cllr George Beckett, Leader of the Council said, "These are exciting times for both staff and Members at the City Council as we start to work in new ways and modernise our operation. The first stages in our 2010 master plan are underway and should make a real difference to our staff and our residents".