Derby City Digital Twin

We have taken an important step towards digitising planning through the introduction of the Derby City Digital Twin.

This accurate and interactive three-dimensional digital model of Derby streamlines the planning process and improves design quality by allowing emerging development proposals to be comprehensively tested within the 3D model.

The model provides both clarity to applicants and certainty to the council and wider public that the proposal is contextually appropriate and is of the expected design quality.

Development proposals intended for use of the model

Use of the 3D model is mandatory for applications within Derby city centre which could have an impact on or change the townscape and streetscene character of the city. This includes:

• major development including:
  • tall buildings
  • large buildings
  • masterplan proposals
• development which impacts designated heritage assets or heritage assets and:
  • impacts listed buildings or is within their visual setting
  • is within or in the setting of conservation areas
  • is within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS) or setting (within its buffer zone or wider setting)
  • has an impact on the city centre skyline (above ambient height)
• development proposals which would have an impact on views identified within the Derby Skyline Study and UNESCO DVMWHS monitoring views 

Please note, these categories provide a guide, however, development proposals which fall outside of these may also be required to use the model if there is potential for impact on or change to the townscape and streetscene character.

What the 3D model does

The model covers Derby city centre. Development proposals which come forward in the city centre and which fall into the categories set out before are required to use the model. 

Applicants will be asked to provide an accurate three-dimensional digital model of the development proposal which will be imported into our 3D model. This allows council officers and councillors to look at specific views, virtually ‘walk around’ the development proposal and assess its massing, height, scale and architectural design. 

When the 3D model is used

For a relevant scheme, listed before, the 3D model is engaged at the pre-application stage as part of our Pre-application Advice and Design Optimisation Services. At this stage, given development proposals are at an early stage and in the development process it is critical to maximise the design benefits of working in our 3D model by engaging in a collaborative design dialogue.

The 3D model must also be used to test development proposals which have been submitted for planning permission including outline, reserved matters and full applications.

Benefits of the 3D model for applicants

Engaging with the 3D model carries several benefits for applicants. These are:

• a streamlined and simplified planning process – by importing your development proposal into the Council’s 3D model, council officers can efficiently and accurately ascertain if your development proposal would be contextually appropriate and of sufficient design quality by assessing it virtually from different viewpoints
• a comprehensive, and well-informed design feedback from council officers
• an actual view is offered, providing the decision maker with all relevant impact details in 3D rather than on flat plans
• a potential for decisions to be reached on planning applications more quickly
• a greater certainty for applicants at pre-application stage that development proposals will be supported by council officers

How to make use of the 3D model

We recommend discussing use of the 3D model with our officers as part of the pre-application process or as part of the application validation stage. Our officers will advise you on the next steps.

Who has developed the 3D model

The 3D model has been developed in collaboration between Derby City Council and Digital Urban. Digital Urban are an award-winning, local company who specialise in developing and running digital twins. 

Cost to use the 3D model

There are two costs associated with the digital twin. These are:

1. Cost associated with preparing and importing the development proposal model into the 3D model. This is paid to Digital Urban.
2. Cost associated with council officers analysing and testing the proposal once it has been imported into the 3D model. This is paid to Derby City Council. 

The costs are determined on a case-by-case basis, with consideration to the scale and complexity of the proposal. We recommend getting in touch with council officers to discuss the cost of the 3D model at the pre-application stage.

Please note, the availability of the 3D model and council officer capacity to evaluate development proposals are subject to fluctuation depending on the workload at the given time. 

How to submit your 3D model

Digital Urban manage the process of importing your development proposal model into the 3D Model. It is also possible for Digital Urban to create a basic massing model of your development proposal if you do not have your own model. 

Once an agreement has been reached with council officers about the use of the 3D model, we will introduce you to Digital Urban, who will work closely and independently with your team to import your model. There is scope to adjust your emerging proposals during this stage before it is seen formally by council officers. 

Other available 3D model services

If you are developing proposals for a city centre site, it is possible to ‘rent’ a slice of the 3D model to inform your design development. There is a cost associated with this. Please email our Urban Design Officer for further information: developmentcontrol@derby.gov.uk. 

If you have a question about the 3D model or would like further information please email developmentcontrol@derby.gov.uk.