Understanding the challenges within the planning service in Wales

We are supporting the Welsh Government in exploring how digital solutions can enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of the planning system in Wales. 

To tackle this, the team have structured the project into 2 phases: 

1. pre-discovery 
2. discovery 

During the pre-discovery phase, we conducted desktop research to understand the existing planning system. We identified and mapped out crucial stakeholders across the planning system. 

Moving into the discovery phase, our focus will be on the planning application process. 

The objective is to investigate and understand the challenges and barriers within the application process. 

These findings will help us shape recommendations to address issues and enhance the efficiency of the main areas of the planning system.  

Our goal is to make the planning system in Wales better and more sustainable using digital tools. 

For example:  

• finding out how the process works  
• involving the right people  
• focusing on specific areas to improve  

Our aim is to suggest improvements for a smoother and more effective planning process. 

Planning in Wales is complex. After talking to key stakeholders, we found various issues across the whole planning system: 

• lack of resources – difficulty in recruiting and retaining experts 
• inefficient IT systems 
• inconsistent systems across different local planning authorities 
• information difficult to understand for the user – complex policies 
• poor quality of planning applications 
• challenges sharing information with the public  
• lack of feedback mechanisms 
• public distrust 
• fees not covering the application  

Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the effectiveness and accessibility of the planning system in Wales.  

Welsh Government  

The Welsh Government provide guidance, collaboration and direction on the areas to focus on within the planning system. 

They will make sure that our efforts align with their goals while improving the planning system in Wales. 

Local planning authorities 

The local planning authorities provide insights into local planning processes, regulations, and challenges. 

Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 

The RTPI contribute expertise on sustainable and environmentally friendly planning practices. 

Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) 

The WLGA share industry knowledge and provide a platform for networking. 

Pre-discovery 

In the pre-discovery phase, we conducted desktop research to understand the existing planning system. We looked at different local council planning websites to understand how they work. We also identified the key stakeholders in planning. 

We met planning experts to understand more. The team attended the Digital Planning Winter School in Cardiff to network and find out about new digital planning tools to improve the service. 

The core team had a meeting with the Planning Policy Manager, Neil Hemmington, from Welsh Government to decide our next steps. 

Now, we're focusing on making the planning application process better. 

Discovery 

In the discovery phase, we'll be focusing on the planning application process. 

This includes the user’s first touch point with the local planning authority to apply for planning permission, to the point of getting a decision. 

The team will also be testing the Planning Applications Wales portal for usability and accessibility. 

Additionally, we'll map out the steps involved in the planning process and understand how things currently work. 

We'll be involving more stakeholders, such as planning officers, agents, and homeowners to understand their pain points during the planning process. 

We will be inclusive by engaging with users from different backgrounds, abilities, perspectives and preferences. Such as people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, those whose first language is not English, elderly users and Welsh speakers. 

This inclusive approach ensures that our study encompasses everyone's perspectives.