Part 3: Planning Chapter 1: Planning Data Section 86: Power to require certain planning data to be made publicly available Effect
Subsection (1) allows appropriate authorities to make regulations requiring a planning authority to publish specified data under an approved open licence.
	Subsection (2) clarifies that a requirement to publish data under subsection (1) does not override any obligations of confidence or other relevant restrictions on making that data available.
	Subsection (3) defines an "approved open licence" allowing the Secretary of State to determine the form and content of that licence. This subsection requires the licence to set out the terms and conditions for the use of planning data published under that licence, which must include use being free of charge to the public.
Example (1):
Planning authority publishing planning information online: Whilst the majority of planning authorities may publish their site allocations online, they do so in different ways. This includes publishing them on an online map, in their local plans or in a standalone document. These can be inaccessible to new digital services and are often not available to download by other users. The provisions of this power will mean that data will be made freely available in a standardised format.
Example (2):
Article 4 directions (which set out additional planning restrictions in particular locations) are not always published by planning authorities: There is currently no requirement for planning authorities to publish Article 4 directions that are issued in their local area. This has made it difficult for applicants to know what rules to follow when they submit a planning application. Through the new powers, the Secretary of State may require planning authorities to openly publish their Article 4 directions online, to a set data standard, enabling all interested parties to understand the rules for development in an area.
Section 87: Power to require use of approved planning data software in England