Transforming UK Planning: Digital Directory Bridges Skills Gap and Drives Innovation

By

OS Geovation

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The Digital Planning Directory launch last month signalled a transformation in the way digital planning services are accessed and utilised. Dr Wei Yang, CEO of Digital Task Force for Planning, shares insights for how this milestone is driving forward the digitalisation of the planning sector in the UK.

The Digital Planning Directory (digitalplanningdirectory.org) was officially launched on 22 January 2025 at an event hosted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Digital Task Force for Planning.

This milestone event brought together over 100 delegates from various sectors, marking a key development in the digital planning ecosystem. With over 200 viewers online, the launch underscored the Directory’s potential to enhance the planning process.

The Directory serves as a comprehensive, user-friendly online resource, featuring some of the most innovative digital planning service providers across ten categories.

Screenshot of the Directory’s landing page

Seed-funded by MHCLG, the Directory aims to bridge the skills gap in local planning authorities and the broader planning sector, where a recent MHCLG survey revealed limited knowledge of selecting suitable digital planning tools and services.

In addition to company profiles held on the Directory, the collection of case studies on the platform is a key destination for sharing digital planning best practices, and inspiring examples of the art of the possible. Throughout the year, the Directory will host free online themed events based on these case studies.

By fostering innovation and collaboration, the Directory is set to support the government’s planning reform agenda and contribute to the development of more sustainable and inclusive communities.

There are multiple ways to be part of this digital transformation: