The UK Government’s Technology Code of Practice (TCoP) sets the national standard for how public sector organisations should design, build and buy technology. It defines what good looks like in areas such as accessibility, data, privacy, and sustainability. For councils and public bodies, it is the reference point for responsible, secure and value-for-money technology decisions.
At UK Planning Gateway, our goal is to modernise the planning application process while meeting these same standards. From accessibility to cloud infrastructure, the platform is built to align with each of the thirteen principles in the Technology Code of Practice.
Putting user needs first
Every design decision in UK Planning Gateway starts with user feedback. The system was developed through testing with homeowners, architects and planning officers to understand where existing processes cause confusion or delay. The result is a guided, structured submission journey that removes unnecessary steps and reduces the chance of validation failure.
Accessible and inclusive by design
Planning should be open to everyone. UK Planning Gateway follows WCAG 2.1 accessibility guidelines and uses clear, simple language throughout. The interface is designed in line with GOV.UK patterns to support users with a range of devices and assistive technologies.
Open and transparent technology
The platform uses open-source libraries where suitable and avoids reliance on proprietary formats. Technical documentation and integration details are published to encourage collaboration with councils, mapping providers and third-party planning tools.
Built on open standards
Data within UK Planning Gateway follows national data standards, including GeoJSON, schema.org, and identifiers from Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs). This ensures that application data can be read, validated and reused by other systems without manual intervention.
Cloud-first infrastructure
UK Planning Gateway is hosted on secure UK-based cloud infrastructure and built to scale efficiently. A cloud-native approach reduces costs for local authorities and provides reliable access for users across the country.
Secure by default
UK Planning Gateway holds Cyber Essentials certification and follows security guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and security testing is part of each development cycle. The team is now preparing for Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.
Privacy as a core principle
Privacy protection is built into the system architecture. UK Planning Gateway is fully GDPR compliant and has clear consent and retention policies. Data minimisation and transparency are applied to all user interactions.
Collaboration and reuse
UK Planning Gateway connects with data and services from Ordnance Survey, HM Land Registry, and local planning authorities. This allows verified information to be reused across different applications, saving time for both applicants and councils.
Adaptable and integrable
The platform is modular and API-driven, making it simple to integrate with existing case management and document systems. Councils can adopt UK Planning Gateway without needing to replace their existing tools, and new modules can be added as policies evolve.
Data-driven improvement
By storing applications as structured data rather than static files, UK Planning Gateway enables analysis that helps councils identify trends, monitor performance, and assess policy outcomes. Data is used to improve both service quality and local decision-making.
Transparent procurement
The software-as-a-service model used by UK Planning Gateway is clear and cost-predictable. It aligns with Crown Commercial Service procurement expectations and supports open contracting principles.
Sustainable technology
The platform runs on energy-efficient cloud services and containerised architecture to minimise environmental impact. Shared infrastructure and reusable components prevent duplication of effort across authorities.
Meeting the Service Standard
UK Planning Gateway’s design and delivery align with the Government Service Standard, which covers accessibility, usability and continuous improvement. Regular testing and feedback ensure the platform continues to meet user and policy needs.
Built to government standards
The Technology Code of Practice represents best practice for digital government. UK Planning Gateway was developed with the same principles at its core: to create technology that is secure, inclusive, data-driven and sustainable.
By aligning with the Code, UK Planning Gateway is ready to support councils in delivering a more efficient, transparent and user-centred planning system for the UK.