The drawback so far is that after applying online we still have to wait for a paper version to be mailed out
I've suggested that they PDF the permits and email us, an idea they really seem to like and hope they take on board.
I also suggested that it would be fantastic if we could apply online, pay online and then download the permit and print it off ourselves. This would be so much of a time saver and the DECC would have a record of our online application so they could check the details at their leisure and if there was a problem contact the keeper involved.
The response to that was at present due to ongoing compliance issues the DECC want to check applications before signing their approval and don’t expect this to change in the short term.. But I'm trying to push this idea if I can.