UK Planning Applications

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Posted by Tom Hyner on 15/11/2011

UK planning law is a controversial and highly political subject. Whether it is the government trying to assist business, critical national infrastructure such as pylons, or proposals to build a new Tesco - decisions on planning affects all of us.

At present only visial on site media (posters on the lamp posts) and formal coincil notice board/newspaper announcements give the public access to planning decisions and applications in their area. This inhibits debate and has the potential to cuase friction down the line as people become aware of a scheme too late to influence it.

Mapping and publishing plannig application data will increase engagement and debate on local development issues, lead to better planning decisions and increase the responsiveness of local authorities to people's ideas as more people will be aware of decisions and able to respond.

The idea is for UK Map showing local authority boundaries as an overlay.

Current planning decisions (in process or pending) are marked by tags on the map.

As the user hovers their mouse cursor over a marker information about the application and a feedback box should appear including:

  • Local area information (i.e. SSSI ststus, etc)
  • Financial information on the development
  • Developer company website link
  • Status in planning application process
  • Next consultation information
  • Link to email the council your views
  • Link to publish on social media
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Planning

Posted by JNS on 12/09/12

The issue about reaching a wider target audience is an interesting one.  The argument that it would lead to better planning decisions is subjective, and by placing more emphasis on the layman it potentially paves the way for a more prejudicial system based on factors such as individual status, wealth and standing.  Similarly is it wise to undermine yet another specialist UK profession, much like many specialist areas within the construction industry i.e the architectural profession.

Digital mapping is an excellent idea none-the-less.  One which I will follow with great enthusiasm - I found very useful information regarding UK planning processes via external link www.jnsconsultancy.co.uk.  With regard to the aforementioned point, they highlight the need to maintain and support specialist professions within the construction industry rather than strip them of their seeming importance and authority - to do the same to our planning system would arguably stem a hoard mismatched and poorly planned developments aimed at the rich getting richer rather than helping the economy grow with need and demand.