Enabling virtual public consultations for large-scale infrastructure projects

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Planning applications, particularly those for large-scale projects like wind farms or solar power developments, require public consultations before they receive planning consent. Current Covid-19 safety measures make public gatherings impossible, leading to delays in the consultation and planning process. Without intervention, this would lead to delays in renewable energy construction and, ultimately, undermine the UK's ability to hit its ambitious net zero carbon target.Our solution brings these public consultations into the virtual world, allowing community members to examine plans and ask questions from the comfort of their home. We intend to retain all of the benefits of a real-world consultation, from the presentation materials through to the one-on-one and group discussions with the developers and independent experts.With the support of Innovate UK, our project will help to ensure that the UK comes out of this pandemic with infrastructure planning complete, signed off and ready for action.