Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for digital planning services.

The opening date for entries to the Digital Planning Directory, 1 October 2024, was announced at an engagement event co-hosted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Digital Task Force for Planning.

The online event provided a dedicated platform for digital planning service providers to learn more about the new Digital Planning Directory and the various opportunities it offers. It also gave attendees the chance to better understand the broader MHCLG digital planning programme.

An Opportunity for Digital Planning Service Providers

The event, which drew interest from across the sector, highlighted the benefits of the Digital Planning Directory for service providers. As a comprehensive ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for cutting-edge digital planning services, the Directory aims to streamline access to innovative solutions for both planners and the general public.

The Digital Planning Directory, seed-funded by MHCLG, is designed to serve as a user-friendly, easily accessible online resource through a dedicated website (www.digitalplanningdirectory.org). It will allow digital planning service providers to showcase their offerings to potential users, including both public and private sectors.

A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Planning

Attendees also gained insights into the wider digital planning agenda led by MHCLG. Senior officials, including Charlotte Spencer, Director of Leasehold, Private Renting, and Digital Planning at MHCLG, and Lou Welham, Innovation Lead at MHCLG, discussed the long-term vision for digital transformation in planning. The event emphasised the critical role that digital innovation will play in shaping a more efficient, transparent, and user-centred planning system in the UK.

About the Digital Planning Directory

Once fully launched, the Digital Planning Directory will serve as a one-stop-shop for state-of-the-art digital planning services, enabling users to easily discover and engage with the latest technological solutions in planning. Managed by the Digital Task Force for Planning, the Directory underwent extensive user experience research and development during the summer of 2024.

The Directory is now officially open for entries from digital planning service providers, with the first 150 qualified UK companies that register by the end of November 2024 receiving a one-year complimentary entry.

The full version of the Directory is scheduled for launch in January 2025.

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To watch the event recording, please click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ0LiARLmK8

To view the slides presented at the event, please click here:

   1. MHCLG Digital Planning Presentation: Reflections on Launch of the Digital Planning Directory

   2. Digital Task Force for Planning: Digital Planning Directory Introduction