Innovative digital tools to help local people have their say in
the planning process will be trialled in 13 areas across England,
the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
announced today (22 October 2021).
Over £1 million of government funding has been allocated to 13
planning authorities under the PropTech Engagement Fund to test
new digital initiatives to make the planning process more open
and accessible and boost public engagement.
The selected projects include:
- The London Borough of Hounslow will create an online 3D map,
helping residents to visualise and comment on proposals.
- Watford Borough Council will develop a QR code system for
residents allowing them to view an interactive map and access
planning information.
- Greater Cambridge Shared Planning will use digital technology
to capture views outside of the formal consultation process,
including social media comments, media articles and blog posts.
The pilots, which will run until March 2022, will inform the
government’s work to modernise the planning system and the
Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities is working
with planning authorities to establish best practice and identify
where further digital guidance and innovations are needed.
These initiatives are also aimed at encouraging groups typically
underrepresented in planning decisions – like renters, young
people and those from black and ethnic minority communities – to
make their voices heard on planning in their area.
Minister for Housing Rt Hon MP said:
We want to use digital technology to make the planning system fit
for the 21st century and empower people from all backgrounds to
get involved in decisions that impact their communities.
From scannable QR codes giving people local planning information
straight to their mobile devices, to interactive online maps,
these digital pilots will help us create a more accessible and
transparent system and ensure people are informed, engaged and
can have their say.
The planning authorities that will receive funding are: Dacorum
Borough Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Cotswold District
Council, Southampton City Council, Greater Cambridge, Stockport
Council, London Borough of Hounslow, London Borough of
Wandsworth, Dorset Council, London Borough of Barking and
Dagenham, Watford Borough Council, Bolsover District Council and
North Lincolnshire Council.
The PropTech Engagement Fund was launched in August 2021. Local
planning authorities were invited to submit bids for up to
£100,000 to run pilots to boost engagement in Local Plan
consultations, better publicise proposed developments, or to
analyse consultation responses.
Feedback from the pilots will help the department understand how
best to support councils to adopt digital planning tools across
the country.
Further information
A breakdown of the local planning authorities that have been
allocated funding and the amount they have received is below:
- Dacorum Borough Council - £100,000
- Chesterfield Borough Council - £100,000
- Cotswold District Council - £53,193
- Southampton City Council - £100,000
- Greater Cambridge - £98,250
- Stockport Council - £90,000
- London Borough of Hounslow - £100,000
- London Borough of Wandsworth - £30,000
- Dorset Council - £95,000
- London Borough of Barking and Dagenham - £100,000
- Watford Borough Council - £99,975
- Bolsover District Council - £100,000
- North Lincolnshire Council - £100,000
