Dacorum and Watford to trial digital tools to make planning process more accessible
They are among 13 councils to have been awarded Government funding
Dacorum and Watford councils have been awarded Government funding to test new digital tools which aim to make the planning process more open and accessible and boost public engagement.
More than ÂŁ1 million of Government funding has been allocated to 13 planning authorities under the PropTech Engagement Fund.
Dacorum Borough Council has been allocated ÂŁ100,000 of funding, while Watford Borough Council has ÂŁ99,975.
One of the selected projects will see Watford Borough Council develop a QR code system to allow people to view an interactive map and access planning information.
The pilots, which will run until March, will inform the government’s work to modernise the planning system and the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities is working with planning authorities to establish best practice and identify where further digital guidance and innovations are needed.
These initiatives are also aimed at encouraging groups typically underrepresented in planning decisions to make their voices heard.
Minister for Housing Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said:
"We want to use digital technology to make the planning system fit for the 21st century and empower people from all backgrounds to get involved in decisions that impact their communities.
"From scannable QR codes giving people local planning information straight to their mobile devices, to interactive online maps, these digital pilots will help us create a more accessible and transparent system and ensure people are informed, engaged and can have their say."
Councillor Alan Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure at Dacorum Borough Council, said:
"We are pleased to have been chosen to pilot some new initiatives that will make it easier for people to engage with planning in their local area.
"We’re looking at improving our two way dialogue and are investigating more interactive engagement tools.
"This funding will enable us to trial new ways that we hope will improve our customers’ experience when getting involved in developing plans for the future of Dacorum."