Product roadmap

Last updated: June 2026

This roadmap represents a high-level overview of the things we are working on now and next for the Back-Office Planning System (BOPS).

It shows our current plans for making a back-office planning system designed for the 21st century. BOPS is one simple system that can meet all of a planner’s needs. BOPS reduces time spent on admin tasks and gives planning officers the information they need, when they need it.

We work in 3-month cycles and we aim to update this roadmap every 3-6 months. Our plans can change based on what we learn from speaking to our users, testing iterations, and how we can better deliver on our mission.

Overall strategy

BOPS’ long-term goal is to become the first choice for LPAs as a back-office planning system to manage all aspects of Development Management. We believe that the use of BOPS in a live environment will demonstrate value, build trust in the product and gather useful feedback to inform future development. Wholesale adoption of BOPS as a replacement for incumbent systems is complicated and we recognise that this needs concerted effort and close collaboration over an extended period. Our strategy is to therefore work with early adopter councils to systematically identify and remove barriers as we move from Beta phase to Live use.

Now (Next 3 months)

Our immediate focus is on the transition from Beta phase to Live, working with early adopter councils to remove barriers to full adoption. Product development will be limited during this period.

We are currently working with partner LPAs and the wider ODP program to:

  • define a sustainable operating and governance model

  • gather feedback from early adopter councils and make iterative improvements

  • engage the industry to position BOPS as essential component of planning reform and LGR

Next (3-6 Months)

Within the following 6 months, we aim to have a group of LPAs who are fully committed to adopting BOPS and a clear plan for migration. We intend to:

  • gather continuous feedback from early adopter councils and make iterative improvements

  • explore data migration from incumbent systems to provide accessible planning history

  • establish a sustainable operating and governance model

  • fill gaps in planning functionality (e.g. Enforcement)

Later (6 months +)

Later work will continue to focus on our long-term goal to provide modern planning software that supports the whole of the Development Management process. This may include:

  • improvements to Appeals functionality

  • development of a full PPA service

  • integration with complementary systems and products 

  • additional improvements to user experience and workflow

Archive

Done (June 2026)

We delivered:

  • fully featured Pre-Apps service live with early adopters including enhancements such as a dedicated case management page, ability to charge multiple fees and record refunds and two-way communication with applicants

  • the End of Beta phase report (in review) and other artefacts to support ongoing impact and wider learning, including service patterns, technical documentation, collated research findings and recommendations

  • a clear pricing model and procurement route for LPAs committing to full adoption (to be published on G-Cloud 15 in September - preview on the Pricing page)

  • implementation of new layouts and navigation for assessment, validation and consultation process for all application types and pre-apps

  • integration with Planda Portal

Done (December 2026)

We delivered:

  • integration with Planning Portal

  • a vision for planning performance agreement features as part of a ‘visiontype’

  • improvements to the onboarding journey and adoption path

  • the BOPS website and other promotional materials

  • engagement with the industry via events and forums