Join Open Digital Planning

We’re growing the Open Digital Planning (ODP) community and want to give more Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) the opportunity to begin digital planning improvements.

The MHCLG Digital Planning Improvement Fund is encouraging new applications. Successful applicants will receive a £50,000 grant to make important digital changes to their planning services.

Why join Open Digital Planning

As a member, you’ll gain access to valuable resources, peer support, and expert digital guidance. You may also be able to access funding to improve your data capabilities, begin service modernisation and prepare to adopt modern planning software.

How to join

1. Decide if Open Digital Planning is right for your council

Joining our community means committing to:

Digital transformation in planning
Dedicating resources to improvement
Being part of an innovative community
Working towards modern planning solutions

View our case studies to learn how previous funding recipients have successfully transformed their planning services and the specific benefits they've achieved.

2. Apply to the MHCLG Digital Planning Improvement Fund

The MHCLG Digital Planning Improvement Fund provides local planning authorities with the funding and support to adopt modern planning practices within planning data, digital capabilities and development management software.

Visit the MHCLG Digital Planning Improvement Fund 2025/2026 webpage. Applications open on 26 June 2025. In the meantime, you can review the information available to prepare for your submission and register for the Q&A session on 9 July 2025, at 3pm.

If you have any questions contact the Digital Planning team to discuss how joining Open Digital Planning could benefit your authority.

Any questions?

Join the upcoming online Q&A session on Wednesday 9 July 2025, 3pm-4pm. Please complete this form to receive an invitation to the meeting.

If you have any questions about the fund or application process, please contact digitalplanningteam@communities.gov.uk