FAQs

The purpose of the Directory is to build the foundation for a scalable digital planning ecosystem that transforms mainstream planning practice.

By providing a trusted and comprehensive platform for digital service providers, as well as education and training organisations, it improves the sector’s visibility, strengthens connectivity, and reduces barriers to adoption. Through structured information, extensive cross-sector engagement, and practical resources, the Directory promotes best practice in digital planning innovation and empowers the sector to accelerate its growth for the public good.

Yes, accessing the Digital Planning Directory is completely free.

The Service Provider Listing includes a range of UK digital planning service providers, including Community Engagement; Visualisation,3D Modelling, and Animations; Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping; Environmental and Sustainability Services; Planning and Urban Design Services; Land Search and Assessment; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Software Solutions; Plan-making, Planning Application and Data Management Systems; Organisational Digital Transformation; and Digital Twins.

Each service provider listed in the Directory demonstrates expertise in at least one of these defined categories, offering state-of-the-art digital planning solutions to streamline and improve planning processes. A maximum of five of the most relevant categories can be selected by each provider.

The Education and Training Listing includes universities and training providers offering courses and programmes with a strong focus on digital planning. These fall into two main categories:

Digital specialist courses: Programmes that focus heavily on data analytics and digital tools, providing in-depth exploration of advanced topics relevant to planning. This includes areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, simulation, and data science.

Integrated courses: Planning programmes with a strong digital focus or dedicated specialism. These courses emphasise the practical application of digital tools and techniques within planning contexts, including GIS, urban analytics, spatial data analysis, and 3D modelling.

We have a thorough validation process to ensure that only reputable organisations are listed in the Digital Planning Directory.

For the Service Provider Listing, each provider undergoes a careful vetting process before approval. If a provider is found to have submitted false information, or if we receive direct negative feedback or warnings from their clients, we will contact the company for clarification. If the response is unsatisfactory, we reserve the right to suspend the company’s public profile display until the issue is resolved. In extreme cases, if necessary, we will remove the provider from the Directory.

For the Education and Training Listing, organisations are established higher education institutions or recognised training providers. Courses are reviewed to ensure they demonstrate a clear and substantive focus on digital planning, in line with the Directory’s eligibility criteria.

Yes, there is a validation process for listings in the Digital Planning Directory.

This process is conducted by the Digital Task Force for Planning and involves three steps:

Step 1 – Initial Review

Step 2 – Full Account Setup

Step 3 – Full Content and Compliance Check

For more details, please read about Our Validation Process.

No, a listing in the Directory does not represent a formal endorsement of any company, service, or product by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) or the Digital Task Force for Planning. Users should be aware that inclusion in the Directory is not an indication of approval or recommendation by these organisations.

The Directory is always open to new entries, and approved companies can update their entries at any time to ensure it reflects the most current and relevant providers in the digital planning space.

The Task Force will also conduct annual reviews to collect feedback. If deemed necessary after a review, the service area categories and filters will be updated.

Additionally, further functions and resources will be continually added to the Directory to ensure it continues to meet user needs.

Yes, the Directory is designed to allow users to search for specific services or providers based on their needs and desired planning outcomes, making it easier to find relevant solutions.

In addition to the service categories and keyword search functions, filters—including features, technologies, and locations—are provided to help users explore the most relevant services.

Users can also gain insights into specific types of services by reading the case studies provided.

A customer review function is not included within this first iteration of the Directory, though our commitment to meeting user need through continued product development means we will regularly review the possibility of additional features.

If users feel it is necessary, they can send their reviews and feedback about listed providers directly to the Task Force via the Contact Us page. The information submitted will be kept confidential. If the Task Force deems it necessary to share the comments with the provider, the reviewer’s identity will not be disclosed.

For additional questions or support, users can contact the Directory’s support team through the Contact Us page.