Digital planning is viewed as a promising solution to improve efficiency and accessibility within the planning system in Wales, according to new research commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Cymru.
The research found a digital divide across Wales, with some authorities integrating digital tools into their work, and others continuing to run on a mix of digital and paper-based systems.
The report found that Planners are optimistic about the potential of digital tools. It shows that investing in digital planning in Wales could improve efficiency and accessibility.
To progress digital planning in Wales, authors Dr Ruth Potts and Dr Brian Webb at Cardiff University’s School of Geography and Planning recommend a national framework to bring consistency, interoperability, and a shared foundation for digital planning in Wales.
The framework will require clear leadership, Wales-wide data infrastructure and collaboration across LPAs.
RTPI Cymru recognise the work of the Welsh Government, Centre for Digital Public Services and others in progressing digital planning. However, it believes that, without further investment, leadership, coordination, and consistent standards, the benefits of digital planning risk being lost.
Mark Hand, Director of RTPI Cymru, said: “Digital planning needs to be embraced as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the planning system in Wales, freeing up planners to use their skills where they add value. Better use of digital tools will supplement the wider need for additional resources in planning teams.
“We need joined-up systems, strong professional support, and clear leadership and co-ordination. These changes would ease pressures on Local Authorities, while creating a planning process that’s more transparent, efficient, and accessible.”
Dr Brian Webb, Reader in Spatial Planning at Cardiff University and report author, said: “This RTPI Cymru report focuses on the current state of digital planning capacity across Wales and establishes a key baseline of current practices. The report demonstrates both the ambition and challenges facing Welsh Local Planning Authorities as they, and their stakeholders, confront the benefits and concerns brought about by rapid digital transformation.
“The findings highlight uneven technical capacity and a lack of formal strategies or standards, but also a strong appetite among both public and private sector planners to embrace digital planning tools. What stands out is the optimism present across the profession and the shared belief that digital tools can make planning more transparent, efficient and improve planning outcomes if implemented carefully and thoughtfully.
“The six key findings and recommendations outlined in this report provide a practical roadmap to support planners, ease resource pressures, and unlock the potential of digital planning to shape better places and outcomes for communities across Wales.”
