Monika Krzesiak
Work

Innovate UK

Planning applications reimagined

Rethinking the planning application process to reduce complexity for applicants and improve decision-making for local authorities.

Gov techTender app
Planning application detail page displayed on a laptop

Context

This was a civic-tech concept exploring how the UK’s physical lamppost planning notices could be translated into a clearer, more accessible digital service for residents.

The idea focused on making local planning information easier to discover, understand and engage with through a digital-first public experience.

Challenge

Planning applications are public, but often difficult to find, interpret and respond to.

The challenge was to turn complex planning data into a clear, trustworthy and easy-to-navigate service — without losing the accuracy, detail and public accountability required in planning contexts.

Traditional yellow planning application notice attached to a lamppost

My role + impact

I designed the resident-facing planning experience, including location-based discovery, application detail pages, map-based browsing and response flows.

My work focused on translating technical planning information into a more understandable and actionable interface, helping residents engage more easily with nearby proposals and local consultations.

Outcome

The concept introduced a digital layer for local planning participation — helping residents find relevant applications, understand proposed changes and respond more easily.

It showed how a clearer service experience could improve access to planning information and make public consultation more usable at a local level.

Map interface for browsing nearby planning applications
Planning application cards, comments, and location notification tools
Six planning application service screens showing lists, comments, details, and maps
Building proposal with an on-image commenting prompt