We launched PinPoint ConnectALL earlier this summer to bring projects to life for communities. It has two main functions, which the client can ‘mix and match’ to suit the type of engagement they need to carry out and its stage of development:
- An interactive website, which can combine text, multimedia content, surveys and an interactive map where members of the community can leave comments about a scheme.
- A virtual engagement room, which is set up in a similar way to a live consultation event. Users can fully immerse themselves in an interactive 360-degree room, navigate their way around information in banners, an image gallery, video and a real-time map viewer.
Energy company Drax liked an early demo of the platform and asked the PinPoint ConnectALL team to create a virtual exhibition space that they could host on their website. The aim of Drax’s virtual exhibition was to engage with local people about the proposed demolition of disused infrastructure at Drax power station in North Yorkshire. Following this consultation with the local community, the plans have been submitted to Selby District Council for consideration.
Drax’s virtual exhibition went live at the start of August. Drax has been delighted with its success and Oliver Baybut, Planning & Consents Manager at Drax Group, comments: “We were pleasantly surprised by the high level of engagement we received through the consultation process.
“There were cost savings in that we didn’t need to hire a venue, there were no printing costs for the physical boards and we didn’t need to have representation from experts for entire days at a time. The feedback function was particularly efficient and we were able to respond quickly and effectively to comments raised through the process. All of this was carried out without any risk of transmission of COVID in the local communities. It was also an opportunity to test the technology for future consultation events and it will certainly be a tool that we consider using to improve future consultation exercises.”
Members of the public have also been impressed. One commented: “Well done on your virtual consultation experience – I’m greatly impressed with this facility and think it’s the way all large companies should help to inform local communities of their proposals. I love how you have presented the information and the ease and simplicity of access... it’s just another way you prove your leading edge.”
The PinPoint ConnectALL project team continues to demo the platform to interested clients, including local authorities, developers, statutory bodies, local government and agencies. If you would like to know more about PinPoint ConnectALL, please download this interactive PDF and/or get in touch with Rachel Tooby, who is GSS Business Manager in Planning Information Management, at [email protected]
