Are you a planner feeling immense pressure to deliver in these very challenging times? If so, you’re not alone!
The commitment to 1.5M new homes is arguably the most ambitious announcement from the new Government. Behind that headline lies multiple local plan preparation issues for planning policy teams to work through. And it comes at the same time the heat is on with one of the major planning reforms under the 2023 Levelling-up and Regeneration Act, the 30-month plan preparation time frame for delivering a local development plan.
If you’re wondering how increased efficiencies can be gained with processes such as gathering data and evidence; handling representations; and preparing, consulting on and publishing local plans, development plans and policies; then perhaps it’s time to do planning differently, and explore the Opus system which could provide the ideal solution.
Here we share 20 benefits to Local Planning Authorities of investing in the Opus consultation and interactive mapping system…
1. An end-to-end solution. From evidence and data gathering through the various stages of draft, consultation, and adoption, planners have 24/7 and real time access to the data and digital tools they need for local plan preparation.
2. An affordable, efficient, and cost-effective tech solution that reduces the planning officer time required to undertake multiple plan preparation processes.
3. A tech solution that removes digital barriers to accessing the right software and the right data at the right time to complete local plan preparation processes on time and on budget.
4. A fixed price solution with a continuous release policy and zero charge for updates and system improvements over the contract period. Users are always accessing the latest, most stable, and most secure version of the Opus system.
5. A modernised tech solution for local plan preparation processes that future proofs planning teams against the impact of forthcoming changes and reforms to the planning system.
6. A real-time tech solution that allows planners to undertake more real-time data processes and more complex interdependent digital workflows than ever before, saving significant planning officer time in local plan preparation and therefore reducing the overall costs and resource demand associated with plan preparation.
7. A web and digital standards compliant solution that ensures Local Plan teams are preparing data, documents, forms and maps in formats and outputs that meet web accessibility standards and guidelines.
8. An interactive solution that allows planners to prepare and publish Local Plan materials - such as online documents, forms and maps - in accessible and customer-oriented formats that the public can access and interact with via any computer or mobile device.
9. An integrated solution that allows planners to access and prepare Local Plan materials - such as online documents, forms and maps - side-by-side and to publish them as integrated and interdependent web pages.
10. A customisable solution that allows planners to adapt and change plan preparation processes depending on what data, plan materials and outcome are required.
11. A flexible solution that allows planners to prepare different versions and stages of Local Plan output for different audiences (e.g. for public access or for internal access only).
12. A scalable solution that allows planners to prepare other types of planning documents, maps and consultations, not just those required for the Local Plan. e.g. Neighbourhood Plan, Validation Guide, Transport etc.
13. A legislation and regulation compliant tech solution that ensures Local Plan teams are preparing their plans according to current and future statutory and regulatory requirements and guidelines.
14. A GDPR compliant solution that ensures Local Plan teams are communicating and consulting with stakeholders legally.
15. A better resourced local planning team, using software and accessing support that is tailored specifically to their team members, their plan preparation requirements, their plan data and their working environment.
16. A better supported local planning team courtesy of our experienced Opus support and development teams with decades of experience of working with Local Plan teams and Councils.
17. A more resilient local planning team that is better trained and supported and more self-sufficient thanks to our tried and tested onboarding, training, and support programmes.
18. A more efficient and cost-effective local planning team, saving hundreds of hours of planning officer time across a range of local plan preparation processes and outcomes that can now be completed digitally, in many cases automatically and semi-automatically.
19. A more engaged local planning team running better quality public/stakeholder consultations and citizen engagement programmes that reward both the public and the planner in terms of the outcomes they achieve.
20. A more accessible and customer-focused planning team preparing the Local Plan with greater transparency, clarity and accessibility for the public and other stakeholders without compromising their statutory duties.
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