Wirral secures govt funds for digital planning project

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has awarded the council £92,950 from its Proptech Engagement Fund to work on modernising the planning system.

Wirral Council will use the money to develop 3D interactive maps, which will help people get a better idea of what new developments are being proposed and how they may impact their community.

“The aim is to be at the forefront of modernising the planning system and using digital technology to help increase community participation in local decision-making,” said Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council’s economy, regeneration and development committee.

“We want to see those currently underrepresented groups such as people in rented accommodation and those from minority groups or less well-off neighbourhoods becoming more involved in informing key decisions which affect their areas for years to come,” Jones said.

The award comes as the council continues its regeneration projects across Left Bank, which will include a series of major planning applications.

DLUHC will work with the local authority to see how the 3D interactive mapping project worked when the pilot scheme ends in September. DLUHC will use that information to inform its work on modernising the planning system and identifying where digital innovation is needed.

Minister for Housing Rt Hon Stuart Andrew said: “We need a modernised planning system which fully embraces digital technology to create places in which people take real pride.

“By bringing the planning system up to date with the latest methods, we are ensuring that communities can have more of a say on the development of their town, city or neighbourhood.”

Only 28 projects received money from the £3.25m Proptech Engagement Fund, and, of those projects, only Wirral’s was based in the North West. Stockport Council had received £90,000 last year through the first round of awards for the fund.