Adapting to the shift of virtual planning

In our current climate digital technology has transformed the way that we live, work and interact and yet, the planning system itself remains relatively unchanged.

That was until the spring of 2020.

For many, this year has been a year of uncertainty, however it’s seen a drastic transformation to the planning system. The changes we have seen have been accelerated by the requirements of a national lockdown. It has introduced digital publicity and consultations for planning applications, virtual committee meetings and between the months of June and August, PINS have held 135 virtual appeals.

This major shift has seen a positive adaptation and a generational moment to the planning system.

How has Plainview been including technology and adapting to the shift in planning?

When it comes to planning, there has been an increasing scope to streamline the process through digital practices. Plainview Planning has been promoting digitising the planning system long before COVID catapulted it into reality and we’re here to encourage it.

We use technology to de-risk the planning system, highlight development potential and make the most effective justifications for our client’s projects. We have already developed a number of systems to ensure that we can present development proposals effectively and source the most relevant and up to date planning information efficiently; maximising value to our client projects.

• Examples include:
• Site Finding and Analysis
• Viewshed Analysis
• Appeal Search
• Spatial Analysis Map Packs
• Knowledgebase

For more information, check out our dedicated plan tech page on our website.

The future of planning?

The commitment from Local Authorities, Planning Inspectorates, agents and private individuals has proven that virtual planning is here and it works.

Our consultants have been attending virtual committees for our clients and watching live inquiries such as the Holocaust Memorial case, the Tulip inquiry and a householder case in Uttlesford. What was interesting, was how many people it was reaching and what a useful resource it was to be able to watch these sessions back and pause. It makes it more accessible for everyone, far and wide, young and old and available on all devices. It’s transparent and it demystifies the planning system and enables us all to witness it in action. A good way of inspiring us to get involved should we so wish.

Of course this has been a trial and error period and so there were a few technical glitches along the way with cameras and microphones impacting the broadcast. We also thought that it would be more relevant and engaging to see more of the documents being referred to and more sharing of screens rather than just faces.

Here at Plainview Planning we shall continue to promote and engage our use of digital technologies to help inform and support our client’s planning projects. Virtual Planning is here, it works and we’re excited to see where it’s heading!

About us

All our clients are already benefiting from our digitised knowledgebase and plan tech services. If you feel that you have a development project which requires our assistance to help you find your next opportunity, then get in touch today. You can submit your site details via enquiries@plainview.co.uk or give us a call on 01242 501003 and one of the team will be in contact to see how we can best assist.

Content correct at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date advice or to discuss your project, please contact our team directly.