Author Description

The report was commissioned by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR), in order to study the current use of information and communications technology (ICT) by local planning authorities in England, the scope for its wider application in the planning process and the steps required by the DTLR to realise its potential. It contains case studies of seven local planning authorities and finds a number of variations in the use of technology. The report identifies a number of key factors in good practice regarding: overall service provision; technical capabilities; working practices and procedures; ICT services for the public; and national targets and requirements. The report concludes that the availability of a high quality ICT service generates interest and usage by the public, and that ICT improvements are a vital part of an improved planning service.