The challenge
Like many larger authorities, Bristol City Council faced challenges in managing and sharing planning data across different systems. Bringing together the full range of required datasets was not straightforward, with information held across multiple applications and varying levels of data quality.
The council also relied on legacy systems that limited opportunities to modernise processes and improve how planning data could be used. As the team looked ahead to new digital planning requirements, there was a need to build stronger data foundations while exploring longer-term options for replacing existing systems.
What the council did
Bristol joined the Digital Planning Improvement Fund to access funding, support and opportunities to learn from other councils working on similar challenges.
As part of the project, the council:
- Published four planning datasets on the Planning Data platform:
- Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
- Article 4 Directions
- Listed Building Consents
- Conservation Areas
- Completed the Digital Planning Maturity Assessment.
- Participated in Open Digital Planning training and learning activities.
- Began exploring options for moving away from legacy systems.
- Procured Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) software.
- Invested in data training to build staff skills and confidence.
In addition, the council published its Air Quality map and is planning to make further datasets available in the future.
Overcoming challenges
A key challenge was bringing together data from multiple systems and ensuring it was suitable for publication and ongoing maintenance. The project highlighted the importance of data quality and the need for consistent approaches to data management across teams.
The council also began work to understand how future digital planning tools could fit alongside, or eventually replace, existing legacy systems. While this remains a long-term challenge, the project provided valuable insight into the changes required to support a more modern planning service.
Results
One of the most immediate benefits has been a reduction in manual work associated with maintaining and sharing planning data.
The published datasets are now available through the Planning Data platform and are updated automatically on a weekly basis, improving consistency and reliability while reducing the need for officer intervention.
The project also helped strengthen collaboration between planning, digital and data teams, creating a shared understanding of how better data can support planning services and future transformation work.
Lessons learned
Bristol's experience highlighted the importance of starting early and allowing time for data improvement work, which can often be more complex than expected.
The team also found that investing in data quality from the outset is critical. Having reliable, well-managed data provides a stronger foundation for future digital services and helps councils get the most value from new technology.
Looking ahead
Bristol's next focus is continuing its move away from legacy systems and building the capabilities needed to support digital planning in the future.
The council is also preparing for the digital production of its emerging Local Plan and is working towards adopting this approach as part of its next phase of planning service improvement.
“The ODP improvement funds were a great catalyst to facilitate close cooperation between the Council's digital, data and planning teams and a great source of inspiration and advice on progressing a complex journey.”
Simone Wilding, Chief Planner, Bristol City Council