This article is written by Dr David Mountain, Research Manager at the RTPI.
A new initiative to bring together the UK’s digital planning service providers in one place has just been launched. The Digital Planning Directory is a service funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It is being delivered and managed by the Digital Task Force for Planning, which is led by CEO Dr Wei Yang OBE, Past President (2021) of the RTPI.
The Directory currently lists 88 providers, as well as case studies of good practice. The extent of interest and engagement at the launch event suggests that this number may increase much further. Dr Yang outlined the need for the service in the lack of local authority knowledge and confidence in digital services and procurement. She outlined upcoming Directory work on an education and training provider list, and a procurement support resource hub.
The myriad ‘Plantech’ startups and more established providers can be an overwhelming and fast-moving domain to navigate. Nonetheless, the potential for the Proptech community to interface with the planning system is huge. It may be the case that start-ups will particularly benefit from this service and the exposure it will provide.
Dr Yang described her vision for the service as a “digital ‘National Trust.’” Through the involvement of funding organisations such as Geovation, there is much potential for data-driven digital integration of planning and land. In the context of the Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent announcement of an AI action plan, we hope that this Directory initiative and follow-up work will nurture the innovation potential of the Plantech community, while enabling government to apply regulatory and safety-conscious oversight.
The other speakers at the launch event were:
- Louise Welham, Innovation Lead, MHCLG;
- Councillor Adam Hug, Chair of the Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board, Local Government Association and Leader, Westminster City Council;
- Caroline Crowther, Director Leasehold, Private Rented Sector and Digital, MHCLG;
- Mick Dunn, Business Development Specialist, Nottingham City Council;
- Bridget Wilkins, Head of Adoption, Engagement and Innovation, MHCLG.
Further reporting of the event can be found on the MHCLG Digital blog.
