Beyond bureaucracy: Making planning work for architects

Planning is often seen as a roadblock in architecture and urban development—slowing down projects, creating uncertainty, and frustrating professionals in the field. But is planning really just a bureaucratic hurdle, or does it also present opportunities for architects and developers?

In our latest video podcast, we spoke with David Morris, director at DP9, to explore the realities of the planning industry. He shared insights into why planning remains a challenge, how government policies are shaping the future, and where technology can make a difference. 

Scroll down to watch the podcast

The state of planning in the UK

Planning is a constant topic of debate, with developers and architects often finding it more of a hindrance than a help. According to Morris:

• The UK government is pushing for a pro-growth agenda, aiming to simplify planning processes, but there is scepticism about how effective these efforts will be in practice.
• Large-scale housing initiatives showcase ambition, but face local resistance, making implementation difficult.
• Small but impactful policy changes—such as giving planning officers more decision-making authority—could speed up approvals, but these adjustments need to be consistently applied to have a real impact.

Challenges facing architects and planners 

For architects and planning consultants, one of the biggest issues is time. Planning approvals can take months, if not years, impacting project feasibility. Morris highlights key challenges:

• Delays and bureaucracy: Securing planning approval often means navigating slow-moving processes.
• Viability challenges: Even when approvals are granted, economic conditions—such as rising costs and interest rates—can prevent construction from moving forward.
• Local vs. national priorities: Government initiatives to fast-track projects can clash with local opposition, adding another layer of complexity.

This balancing act makes it difficult for firms to plan long-term, requiring a mix of strategy, patience, and adaptability.

The role of technology in planning

Despite these hurdles, technology presents a major opportunity to improve efficiency. Morris highlights real-life 3D simulations as a tool that could help planning officers and stakeholders better understand developments, making decision-making faster and more effective:

• AI-driven ta analysis can help identify planning bottlenecks and predict outcomes.
• 3D modelling and real-time simulations allow planning officers and stakeholders to process complex proposals without sifting through hundreds of pages of reports.
• Digitised planning reports could replace extensive documentation, streamlining the approval process and making key insights more accessible.

Morris questions whether planning officers have time to read through all the lengthy reports submitted for major projects. He believes that digitising and visualising this information could make a significant difference in efficiency.

At Milient, we provide project management software that helps architects, engineers, and planning consultants:

• Track projects in real time.
• Manage key documents in one place.
• Get instant insights for better decision-making.

Looking ahead: what’s next for the planning industry?

While political cycles and economic uncertainty make the future unpredictable, Morris remains cautiously optimistic. However, he acknowledges that major government plans could face setbacks when met with local political realities and public resistance. He advises firms to:

Work with planning authorities, rather than against them, to navigate regulations more effectively.

Stay informed on policy changes that could impact project approvals, while remaining realistic about potential roadblocks.

Leverage technology to reduce delays, improve collaboration, and enhance project outcomes.

Watch the full podcast

Want to hear the full discussion with David Morris? Watch the podcast episode here: 

If you're looking for ways to simplify project planning and reduce uncertainty, we can help! Read about the benefits our customers have experienced with Milient, view a demo, or book a meeting with us to discuss your needs.