Digital Planning Directory at UKREiiF: Spotlight on PropTech in Planning Transformation

Leeds, 21 May 2025

On the second day of UKREiiF 2025, the Digital Planning Directory hosted a “show & tell” session at the UK PropTech Hub, highlighting the powerful role of PropTech in driving digital transformation across the UK planning system.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the UK PropTech Association (UKPA), the session “The Role of PropTech in Digital Planning Transformation” brought together a group of listed companies from the Digital Planning Directory to share insights, real-world examples, and lessons from the front line of innovation.

The session was opened by Charlotte Spencer, Director for Leasehold, Private Renting and Digital at MHCLG, who emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and industry in delivering the future of digital planning. She set the stage for a thought-provoking and fast-paced agenda, reinforcing MHCLG’s support for a more data-driven, transparent, and user-friendly planning system.

Dr Wei Yang OBE, CEO of the Digital Task Force for Planning, introduced the mission behind the Digital Planning Directory: to curate and champion scalable digital solutions that can meet the diverse needs of planning authorities, developers, and communities.

Presentations from the companies included:
• CSX Carbon (Megan Russell) showcased their approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) management, helping local authorities track, report, and plan for biodiversity outcomes with clarity and precision.
• Coplug (Darshana Chauhan) introduced their location-powered analytics engine, designed to unlock smarter spatial decisions by integrating contextual data into every step of the planning process.
• Copper Consultancy (Tom Byrne) demonstrated their AI-empowered public engagement tools—creating more inclusive and timely consultations through digital means.
• Landcycle (Phil Chichester) showed how their platform brings property and planning data to the fingertips of planners, developers, and citizens alike—democratising access to critical datasets.
• RenKap (Gonzalo Marquesini) closed the showcase with a compelling vision for streamlining site preparation through a digital marketplace for site surveys, reducing bottlenecks and enabling quicker project starts.

Each presenter followed the recommended structure—focusing on real-world problems, the specific challenges faced by local authorities, and the measurable impact delivered through their solutions. From faster workflows and better community engagement to tangible cost savings, the case for digital planning has never been clearer.

This event was part of a series hosted by the Digital Planning Directory to promote digital innovation and integration in spatial planning. The session brought together planners, local authority representatives, technology providers, and investors for an engaging discussion and showcase of practical digital solutions.

This event highlights the crucial role of PropTech in shaping the future of planning in the UK by accelerating the transition to a more digital, data-driven, and collaborative planning system.

Thank you to partners MHCLG, UK PropTech Association, all speakers, and attendees at UKREiiF 2025. For more information, case studies, or to join the Digital Planning Directory, visit https://digitalplanningdirectory.org/.