Product funding 2026 - Digital Planning Improvement follow-up funding

Eligibility

These funding opportunities are open to ODP LPAs only, via an expression of interest form (see links below). 

Applicants must have demonstrated significant efforts in modernising planning services, for example, through delivery of the majority of the Digital Planning Improvement Fund (DPIF) planning datasets, on the Planning Data platform.

LPAs may apply for both funds if they meet the individual eligibility criteria for each.

For track 1, PanX adoption, the following additional eligibility criteria apply:

• No previous funding for implementation of ODP co-designed products (PlanX, BOPS and Digital Site Register)

• Minimum of five planning datasets published on planning.data.gov or at publishable stage, selected from: 

  • Article 4 Directions
  • Article 4 Direction Area
  • Conservation Area
  • Conservation Area Document
  • Listed Building Outline
  • Tree Preservation Order
  • Tree and/or Tree Preservation Order zone

  And including at least 2 PlanX-required datasets, with significant progress on at least 2 further PlanX-required datasets, where these are defined as: Article 4 Direction area, Conservation Area, Listed building outline, Tree and/or Tree Preservation Zone

  This is because PlanX draws upon the planning.data.gov.uk datasets and users of PlanX will not receive accurate outputs without the datasets.

• Demonstrate significant previous efforts in modernising their planning services.

Delivery Requirements

To ensure clarity for those applying, and to maximise benefit to the public, the following delivery outcomes are anticipated from all LPAs who are successful in their funding application:

Both track 1 and track 2: 

• Provide a summary case study (300-500 words) outlining the activities undertaken, the approach adopted and the impact achieved. This case study will be shard in public channels including but not limited to the ODP website, LinkedIn and within the ODP community. 

PlanX adoption, track 1 only: 

• At least one PlanX service to be live to the public within 1 year of the PlanX contract date
• Provide monitoring and evaluation data to MHCLG to baseline pre-PlanX services and for any live PlanX service(s)

Timeline and application process

The process for applications has been carefully considered to align with the timeline shown below:

• 12 January 2026 - Funding announced (ODP General Meeting)
• w/c 12 and 19 January 2026 - Question and answer sessions (see details below)
• 5pm 23 January 2026 - Deadline to submit expression of interest form (see links below)
• w/c 26 January 2026 - Feedback provided
• w/c 26 January 2026 - Interviews (if needed)
• 6 February 2026 - Final funding amounts agreed
• Late February 2026 - Funding issued 

Each LPA is invited to submit their expression of interest by completing a short set of word-limited questions, using the appropriate form below:

• Application for Digital Planning Improvement continuation (PlanX Adoption)​

• Application for Digital Planning Improvement continuation (Application Processing)

Question and answer sessions

You are welcome to come along to find out more at our Q&A/drop-in sessions and PlanX demos:​

• MHCLG Q&A/drop-in – Wednesday 14 January 1.30pm-2.00pm - join here ​

• MHCLG Q&A/drop-in – Tuesday 20 January 3.30pm-4.15pm - join here​

• OSL PlanX demo – Friday 16 January 11am-midday - join here​

• OSL PlanX demo – Wednesday 21 January 1.30pm-2.30pm - join here

   

Contact us

If you have any questions please email digitalplanningteam@communities.gov.uk