Online Show and Tell: Delivering 30-Month Local Plans: Digital Innovation, Connectivity and Practical Tools, 28 May 2026

Digital Planning Directory Online Show and Tell: Delivering 30-Month Local Plans: Digital Innovation, Connectivity and Practical Tools

28 May 2026, 1-2pm

The introduction of a 30-month requirement for local plan preparation represents a significant shift for the planning system, placing greater emphasis on efficiency, evidence and delivery. This one hour session explored how digital tools and data can support local authorities and practitioners to meet this challenge in practice.

The event included an update from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on the 30-month local plan preparation process, followed by an introduction from the Department for Transport (DfT) to its Connectivity Tool, demonstrating how it can be used to strengthen the evidence base and support decision-making within the local plan process. We also heard from industry representatives on a range of digital solutions that can help streamline plan-making, improve collaboration and accelerate delivery.

The session was intended as a practical “show and tell”, offering insights into tools and approaches that can be deployed now to support the new timetable.

Agenda:

Dr Wei Yang OBE, CEO Digital Task Force for Planning: Welcome and introduction

Christopher Mountain, Local Plans, and Bridget Wilkins, Head of Plan Making, Digital Markets & Growth, MHCLG: Update on 30-month local plan process

Greg Haigh, Head of AI and Data Science, DfT: Introduction to the Connectivity Tool and Local Transport Plan

David Cooper, Director, Blue Fox Technology Ltd: Scoping the Connectivity Tool for Digital Local Plans

Annette Jezierska, CEO, The Future Fox: Compressing Local Plan consultation timelines with AI — and navigating Examination

Daniel Mohamed, CEO, Urban Intelligence: Land availability and site assessment in local plan preparation

Simon Mabey, CEO, Digital Urban: Humanised Digital Twins: creating a more engaging planning process

Note:

The DfT Connectivity Tool Lite is freely available to all users, including members of the public, and provides access to the tool’s core analytical functionality through a simplified and responsive interface. The full Connectivity Tool offers a wider range of advanced features, including the ability to test potential transport interventions, and is available to registered users such as local authorities, consultants and other built environment professionals.

If you would like to receive a copy of the presentation, please send your request to info@digital4planning.com.