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Using the Directory

FAQs aim to answer questions in plain English to ensure clarity, but for any final legal explanations, please refer to the Users Terms and Conditions.

What is the Digital Planning Directory?

The Digital Planning Directory is a one-stop shop for state-of-the-art digital planning services. Seed-funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), it is delivered and managed by the Digital Task Force for Planning, an innovation-led not-for-profit organisation.

The Directory includes providers offering innovative digital services to support and enhance planning, development, management and engagement processes. Serving as a comprehensive and user-friendly online resource for digital planning tools, services, and platforms, it is designed to meet the diverse needs of all public and private sector stakeholders in planning.

It contains essential information about digital planning service providers, including their areas of expertise, services, case studies, and contact details. The Directory offers search and filtering functions to facilitate the discovery of tools and expertise that meet specific needs and objectives.

What is the purpose of the Digital Planning Directory?

The objective of the Directory is to enhance transparency and knowledge-sharing in the digital planning market, promote fair competition, and facilitate informed decision-making for those looking to adopt and use digital planning tools and services.

It seeks to foster the development of a comprehensive ecosystem that supports and advances digital planning initiatives, stimulating innovation in the sector in the UK.

It aims to bridge technical gaps by breaking down barriers between digital planning and mainstream planning practices, facilitating smoother integration and understanding.

Is the Digital Planning Directory free to visit?

Yes, accessing the Digital Planning Directory, including its digital planning service provider listings and case studies, is completely free.

What types of service providers are included in the Directory?

The Directory 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.

How do you ensure only reputable organisations join the Digital Planning Directory?

We have a thorough validation process to ensure that only reputable digital service providers are listed in the Digital Planning Directory. Each company 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 company from the Directory.

Is there a validation process, and what does it involve?

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.

Does listing in the Directory constitute a formal endorsement of the companies by MHCLG or the Digital Task Force for Planning?

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.

How often is the Directory updated?

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.

Can I search for specific types of services in the Directory?

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.

Can users leave reviews for listed providers?

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.

How can I contact the Directory for further inquiries not covered in the FAQs?

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

For providers

Interested in listing your services?

The Digital Planning Directory is a comprehensive and user-friendly online resource for listing digital planning providers, designed to meet the diverse needs of both public and private sector stakeholders in planning.
  • Enhanced visibility & credibility
  • Support for innovation and digital advancement
  • Networking with stakeholders and partners

An innovation-led social enterprise

The directory is brought to you by the Digital Task Force for Planning, a not-for-profit organisation. Our ambition is to promote digital integration and advancement in Spatial Planning to tackle the grand challenges in the 21st Century.
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Seed funded by: