Project

Discovery phase for a user-centred back office (town) planning system


February 2019 - April 2019

Status: Closed

Details

Authorities lack a user-centred solution providing back-end case management, transactional functions and database necessary to manage a Planning service. We want to understand how a cross-authority solution could unlock wider transformation of the planning system. Planning services are dependent on proprietary solutions that are developing slowly and resistant to interoperability. The market is dominated by just two providers. This software does not meet the aspirations set out in the Local Digital Declaration. The commercial incentives to support innovation are low. The practical problems associated with poor quality software create challenges for the effective administration of the national planning system. The project builds on existing work by Hackney and Southwark to validate the common and widespread need to solve problems of digital pre-application, digital applications (minor) and consultation from a front end user perspective. Both authorities have already demonstrated significant commitment to working openly in a way that benefits the whole sector. Unboxed have been appointed to support Southwark with the delivery of this project in close collaboration with Hackney and the GLA.


Phases

Discovery