Blogs

This briefing outlines how the continuous release policy of OpusConsult and OpusMap directly supports Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) in adapting to the evolving demands of local plan preparation, consultation, and multi-tiered policy coordination.

Many planning officers assume digital mapping is something best left to the GIS team or to data experts. But that’s changing, fast.

A senior planning officer with decades of experience recently told us: “I didn’t think I’d ever be editing map data myself.”

For Planning Officers exploring smarter ways to share spatial information

If you’re a planning officer looking for a better way to deliver your Local Plan Policies Map or engage the public with spatial data, OpusMap and OpusConsult might already be on your radar.

We’re excited to introduce Catherine Stone, who joined our support team in April. With her background in technical support and a passion for accessibility, she’s already making a meaningful impact.

As the planning system in England undergoes one of its most significant overhauls in recent memory, local plan teams are navigating a shifting landscape of expectations, timelines, and technologies. With the Local Plan 2025 reforms, there’s a clear message from government: local plans must be faster to produce, more accessible to the public, and data-rich by design.

Community engagement is a critical aspect of the local planning process, ensuring that local voices are heard, diverse perspectives are considered, and development strategies align with the needs of residents. As local authorities prepare a new Local Plan, effective engagement fosters trust, reduces opposition, and leads to more sustainable and inclusive policies.