The planning system is operating under increasing strain to juggle challenges of building new homes and managing the impacts of climate change
New research from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) examines the opportunities and risks of digital planning to help relieve some of these demands on the system.
Dr Daniel Slade, head of research and practice at the RTPI, commented: “Planners are working on the front line against massive environmental challenges, juggling the responsibility of large housing targets and the increasing threat of housing at risk of flooding, wildfires, and other climate risks.”
Changing the way environmental data is used
One of the projects featured in the research is the Natural Environment Research Council Digital Solutions Hub, led by the University of Manchester.
The hub aims to change the way environmental data is discovered, connected and used.
It provides a practical use case for digital planning, using readily available environmental data to identify climate risks, heat stress, and future flooding that might be missed earlier in the planning process.
New digital planning technology could generate faster engagement
The Digital Planning Participation project is led by researchers at Newcastle University and University College London. It questions the rapid adoption and rollout of new digital engagement technology that uses methods like tick boxes and pins on maps to gather engagement more quickly from as many people as possible.
Researchers working on this project have encouraged a slower, human-centred approach to digital planning, using creativity and dialogue to achieve more meaningful engagement experiences.
The research suggests that successful engagement depends less on the technology itself and more on designing participation around people’s experiences, aspirations and concerns.
The responsible use of planning technology could change everyday life
Alongside the projects, the RTPI research revisits the Interface essays collection on the digital data revolution in planning, land and housing.
It examines how these planning technologies can be used responsibly amid major transformations affecting everyday life.
Slade concluded: “It’s encouraging to see researchers from RTPI planning schools developing cutting-edge planning technology to help address these issues while working to bring communities along with us.”
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