The system went online for CDC on October 1 last year to make the building consent process more efficient.
"Objective Build is already being used by councils across New Zealand," CDC building and regulatory services manager, Malcolm Sinclair said.
"Customers [can] apply for new consents ... and have real-time access to documents and progress updates within a central, easily-accessible online hub ...
"The new system will make applying for and managing building consents consistent, transparent and efficient."
Peter Murray, of Plan-It Architecture Balclutha, said he had used CDC’s Objective Build for three applications.
"It’s definitely better than the manual process, it saves a lot of printing and driving back and forth.
"But unlike other councils’ systems, I’ve found you just add more information.
"You have to wait till it requests it.
"[Also], Objective Build applications with other councils only generate a couple of acknowledgement and payment emails [but] when you apply with CDC it sends about eight," Mr Murray said.
"You’ve got to log in to find out what each one wants and they’re just telling you the different steps it’s going through," Mr Murray said.
"I contacted [CDC] regarding the unnecessary emails and needing the ability to add information and they said they weren’t aware what it’s like dealing with the system from outside, so a bit of feedback was good for them."
Mark Van Asperen, of Big River Homes, also uses similar platforms with other South Island councils.
"From day one of the application to completion and certification there’s transparency for all involved and it provides easy access to files for any future purchaser, so they have a full understanding of the home and its construction before purchase.
"You expect to iron out teething problems with any new system but it’s already an easier, modern solution and we commend council for taking the initiative to commission it."
CDC said they had been processing feedback since the system went online.
"It is a massive change to move from hard copy to electronic applications, and the teams are receiving the necessary training," a council communication said.
"Any new system or technology brings changes, adaptability, and anomalies, and we are navigating through this and streamlining our end to make it easier for our customers as well as for our council.
"We received applications as of day one, and there seems to be a boom in the number of applications, [including] from outside New Zealand."
