Planning Software for Local Government: Costs, Benefits, Drawbacks and Rankings

Planning departments across the UK are under increasing pressure to deliver faster, more transparent, and more citizen-friendly services. Whether it's responding to planning applications, managing enforcement cases, or publishing development plans, the expectations placed on local planning authorities (LPAs) have grown and so has the complexity of their work.

In this environment, the technology used by planning teams is no longer a back-office concern. It’s a strategic enabler. The right software can streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden, improve public engagement, and ensure compliance with national standards. Conversely, outdated or poorly integrated systems can slow down decision-making, frustrate users, and erode public trust.

Historically, many councils have relied on legacy systems often expensive, inflexible, and difficult to customise. But the landscape is shifting. A wave of innovation, driven by the Open Digital Planning (ODP) movement and supported by central government funding, is introducing open-source alternatives designed by planners, for planners. These tools promise lower costs, better usability, and greater transparency but they also require digital maturity and a willingness to change. This blog explores the leading planning software solutions currently used by UK councils. We compare them across five key criteria:

• Cost: upfront licensing, implementation, and ongoing support

• Functionality: core planning features, automation, and reporting

• User Experience: ease of use for officers, applicants, and citizens

• Integration: compatibility with GIS, finance, and document systems

• Impact: measurable improvements in speed, accuracy, and engagement

We also include quotes from practitioners and statistics from government-backed pilots to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're a Head of Planning, a Digital Transformation Lead, or a Chief Executive looking to modernise your authority’s planning function, this guide is designed to support you in choosing the right technology for your needs.

Why Planning Software Matters

Planning software is no longer just a digital filing cabinet it’s a strategic tool that can transform how local authorities deliver services, engage communities, and meet statutory obligations. In an era of rising workloads, stretched budgets, and increasing public scrutiny, the systems used by planning teams must do more than store data. They must actively support better decisions, faster processing, and more transparent governance.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has recognised this shift. Over 150 local planning authorities (LPAs) are now part of the Open Digital Planning (ODP) network a collaborative initiative aimed at modernising planning systems through open-source, user-centred design. Tools like PlanX, BOPS (Back Office Planning System), and the Digital Planning Register are being co-developed with planners to ensure they reflect real-world workflows and challenges. These platforms are not just theoretical. They’re being piloted in live environments, with councils reporting significant time savings, improved data quality, and better public engagement. For example, BOPS enables officers to validate applications more quickly by automating checks against national and local policies, while PlanX helps applicants understand what they need to submit reducing errors and delays.

In 2023 alone, the UK government invested £8.5 million through the Digital Planning Improvement Fund and the PropTech Innovation Fund, supporting councils to adopt and test new technologies. These funds have enabled authorities to trial augmented reality for site visualisation, automate validation processes, and integrate planning data with GIS and housing systems. The benefits are clear: faster decisions, fewer complaints, and more inclusive planning processes. But the journey isn’t without challenges. Councils must navigate procurement hurdles, legacy system integration, and internal change management. That’s why understanding the options and their costs, benefits, and drawbacks is essential. This blog aims to demystify the planning tech landscape, helping officers and decision-makers choose the right tools for their authority’s needs and ambitions.

Software Options Compared

Local planning authorities across the UK have a range of software options to choose from, each with its own strengths, limitations, and suitability depending on the council’s size, digital maturity, and strategic goals.

Idox remains one of the most widely adopted platforms, used by over 70% of UK councils. It offers robust case management features, mobile access for officers in the field, and a comprehensive suite of planning tools. However, its cost is on the higher end of the spectrum, and many users report that its interface feels dated and lacks flexibility for customisation. Idox is best suited to larger councils with complex planning needs and the budget to support a premium solution. It earns a solid four-star rating for reliability and breadth of functionality. In contrast, PlanX and BOPS, developed under the Open Digital Planning (ODP) initiative, represent a new wave of open-source, user-centred planning tools. These platforms are designed in collaboration with planners and offer intuitive user experiences, machine-readable policy rules, and seamless integration with national datasets. Their low cost and innovative design make them highly attractive, especially for digitally ambitious councils. However, they are still in pilot phases and require a certain level of digital capability to implement effectively. Despite this, they stand out as the most forward-thinking option, earning a five-star rating for their potential to transform planning services.

Civica offers a middle-ground solution with strong automation capabilities and support for remote working. It’s scalable and integrates well with other local government systems, making it a good fit for councils seeking a more unified digital infrastructure. However, its planning functionality is less specialised compared to platforms like Idox or PlanX, which may limit its appeal for authorities with more complex planning requirements. Civica receives a three-star rating, reflecting its versatility but also its limitations in planning-specific features. For councils focused on strategic planning and visualisation, Esri’s GIS tools provide advanced capabilities in spatial analysis, 3D modelling, and community engagement. These tools are particularly valuable for long-term development planning and public consultations. However, they are not full planning suites and require GIS expertise to use effectively. Esri earns a four-star rating for its powerful visualisation tools and ability to enhance strategic decision-making.

CityView, while mobile-friendly and well-suited for inspections and permitting, has limited presence in the UK and is more commonly used in North America. Its functionality may be sufficient for smaller councils with basic planning needs, but its lack of integration with UK-specific datasets and standards is a drawback. It receives a two-star rating, reflecting its limited applicability in the UK context. Finally, OpenGov offers excellent dashboarding and financial integration, making it a strong contender for councils undergoing finance-led transformation. However, it is expensive and not tailored to planning workflows, which limits its usefulness for planning departments specifically. Like CityView, it earns a two-star rating due to its narrow relevance to UK planning functions.

Software	Cost	Benefits	Drawbacks	Best For	Overall Rank
Idox	Medium–High	Trusted by 70%+ UK councils; robust case management; mobile access	Costly; legacy interface; limited customisation	Large councils with complex needs	★★★★☆
PlanX + BOPS (ODP)	Low (open-source)	Designed with planners; intuitive UX; machine-readable rules; integrates with national datasets	Still in pilot phase; requires digital maturity	Digitally ambitious LPAs	★★★★★
Civica	Medium	Strong automation; supports remote working; scalable	Less planning-specific; broader local gov focus	Councils seeking integrated systems	★★★☆☆
Esri GIS Tools	Variable	Advanced 3D visualisation; community engagement; spatial analysis	Requires GIS expertise; not a full planning suite	Strategic planning and visualisation	★★★★☆
CityView	Medium	Mobile-friendly; good for inspections and permits	Limited UK presence; better suited to North America	Small councils with basic needs	★★☆☆☆
OpenGov	High	Excellent dashboards; strong financial integration	Expensive; not planning-specific	Finance-led transformation	★★☆☆☆

Key Stats and Insights

The case for investing in modern planning software is backed by compelling data. Councils participating in digital planning pilots have reported saving up to 280 hours per authority time that would otherwise be spent on manual validation, data entry, and chasing missing information. These efficiencies translate directly into faster application processing and reduced backlogs.

Citizen engagement has also seen a dramatic uplift. Authorities trialling tools such as augmented reality (AR) and 3D modelling have recorded a 119% increase in public participation in planning consultations. These technologies help residents visualise proposed developments more clearly, making planning more accessible and inclusive.

The appetite for change is growing. A recent survey found that 68% of councils plan to upgrade their planning software within the next two years, driven by the need for better integration, automation, and user experience. Yet despite these efforts, public trust in planning decisions remains low just 7% of citizens express confidence in the fairness and transparency of the process. This highlights the urgent need for digital tools that not only improve efficiency but also rebuild trust through openness and clarity.

Quotes from the Sector

The momentum behind planning software reform is being led by practitioners and technologists alike. The Local Digital Team at MHCLG emphasises the collaborative nature of the transformation:

“We’re co-designing and testing new digital services with over 100 LPAs to shape a more efficient, data-driven planning system.”

Meanwhile, industry experts like Stephen Croney from Esri UK are championing the role of innovation in solving long-standing challenges:

“The pilots have explored modern digital approaches to common challenges, all designed to make planning more efficient and easier for everyone.”

These voices reflect a shared commitment to modernising planning through technology that is not only functional but also fair, transparent, and citizen-focused.

Conclusion: What Should Councils Do?

Choosing the right planning software is not just a technical decision it’s a strategic one. For local authorities, the choice should be guided by a clear understanding of their internal capabilities, financial constraints, and service priorities. First, councils must assess their digital maturity. Open-source platforms like PlanX and BOPS offer exceptional flexibility, transparency, and cost-effectiveness. However, they require a degree of internal capability including digital leadership, agile project management, and a willingness to co-design services. These tools are ideal for authorities that are already investing in digital transformation and want to be part of shaping the future of planning technology.

Second, budget considerations remain critical. Established providers such as Idox and Civica offer robust, well-supported solutions with proven track records. They come with higher costs, but also with stability and comprehensive functionality. These systems may be more suitable for councils that need immediate reliability and have less capacity to experiment with emerging tools.

Finally, councils should reflect on their strategic goals. If the priority is community engagement, spatial analysis, or visualisation of development proposals, then platforms like Esri’s GIS tools can add significant value. These tools enable planners to communicate complex ideas more clearly and involve residents more meaningfully in shaping their communities. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice depends on where your council is now and where it wants to be. By aligning software decisions with organisational readiness and long-term ambitions, planning teams can unlock real improvements in efficiency, transparency, and public trust.