Hounslow makes design codes clearer using interactive mapping
Hounslow tested an interactive map based tool to present its 700-page design code in a clearer visual format, helping residents explore content more easily.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
London Borough of Hounslow carried out a pilot to test an interactive map-based tool for presenting its character and design code.
- Outcome: The council made the design code easier to explore by breaking it into themed journeys and interactive maps.
- Scale and approach: Pilot project delivered by the spatial planning team, with support from communications and digital colleagues.
- Technology used: The council worked with Urban Intelligence to develop and test the Local Plan Maker tool, which combined maps, images, story-based journeys and embedded consultation features.
This was a PropTech Innovation Fund pilot and describes what was tested at the time.
The planning challenge
Hounslow’s draft character and design code was more than 700 pages long. Officers knew this would be difficult for most residents to navigate. They wanted a clearer and more visual way for people to explore:
- place-based visions and neighbourhood character
- design codes relating to specific sites and areas
- growth strategies and evidence
- the justification behind planning choices
The council also wanted to test whether an interactive format could make design guidance easier to use and encourage a wider range of people to respond.
What they did
Hounslow worked with Urban Intelligence to build an interactive tool that presented the design code as a series of place-based and themed journeys.
The council:
- summarised complex guidance into shorter sections
- used interactive maps to show neighbourhood visions and design codes
- created story map journeys linking text, images and mapped locations
- provided borough-wide design codes in separate themed tabs
- embedded questions, emoji reactions, image uploads and free text comments
- offered the full design code document as a PDF for those who preferred it
- promoted the consultation through leaflets, library displays, digital screens, social media and workshops
- held workshops with the youth parliament and disabled residents to reach under-represented groups
Residents could explore visions for different neighbourhoods through an interactive map. Image courtesy of London Borough of Hounslow.
Image description: Screenshot of the Hounslow interactive map showing neighbourhood areas and a panel where users can select local design characteristics.
Results and impact
A total of 52 people took part in the consultation, either through the tool or by email. Participation was low, and the council noted several possible factors, including that the tool was in prototype form and that some residents still preferred to submit comments by email.
Among those who used the tool:
- most users were individuals
- older age groups were more strongly represented, with no responses from people under 30
- respondents valued the interactive maps
- workshops provided feedback from younger and disabled residents, supplementing digital responses
What they learned
The pilot showed that:
- users tended to comment on their own neighbourhood rather than borough-wide codes, suggesting local relevance influenced engagement
- some content was less obvious or less frequently used, indicating navigation improvements were needed
- continuing to offer workshops supported engagement from younger people and disabled residents
- as the tool was in prototype form, further refinement would be needed to address technical issues raised by users
Future plans
Hounslow intends to further develop the Local Plan Maker tool so it can be adapted for a wider range of planning consultations. The council plans to improve the graphics and overall style of the tool and explore additional features to expand interactivity and make future consultations easier to manage.
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Useful resources
See tools and suppliers on the Digital Planning Directory website.
Use the Digital Citizen Engagement toolkit for step-by-step guidance on planning and running digital consultations.
Explore the Open Digital Planning (ODP) community to see examples and learning from councils using digital tools.
Read guidance and case studies on using community engagement platforms in planning consultations for more examples and practical support.
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