WRITE UP: GLA Digital Transformation Webinar

On the 12th November, Concilio hosted a webinar with the Greater London Authority to discuss their proposed changes to the Planning Portal’s existing online application forms for submission to London Boroughs.

The update includes the addition of new questions and changes to a number of existing questions when submitting planning application with the aim of automating information about proposed development. The proposals would then enable planning authorities in London (and the public) to access information and data about planning proposals in London in a more effective and open way.

Peter Kemp (Head of Change and Delivery at the GLA) began with a presentation that detailed the key changes. He noted that much of the data submitted as part of planning applications was in PDF format which makes it digitally inaccessible. Peter then stated that most applicants wouldn’t notice a difference when intreating with the system but that it would enable a ‘step-change in the way data is collected and analysed’.

The panel then discussed the anticipated benefits of the proposed changes which included:

• Instant access to live planning information across London. Data will be more accessible and simple.
• Helping us understand the future trends of London and the impact of development. The live information gathered can for example be used in understanding how to increase the supply of housing or how certain development affects the environment.
• Lack of planning and development data has been one of the biggest barriers to innovation for the PropTech and PlanTech sectors. This change will address this. The changes will come into effect on the 16th November and the data can be accessed via the London Datastore – https://data.london.gov.uk/

Panellists included:

Nick Dines, Managing Director of Concilio (Chair)
Peter Kemp, Head of Change and Delivery at the GLA
Chris Jones, Policy and Quality Director at Planning Portal
Grace Manning-Marsh, Head of LandEnhance at LandTech