In the latest episode of Mobile UK’s Live Better Connected podcast, Gareth Elliott, Policy Director at Mobile UK, spoke with Paulo Tavares, Senior Planning Officer at Bexley Council, about the growing importance of digital placemakers (sometimes referred to as digital champions), within local authorities. The conversation explored how this role can help bridge gaps between planners, communities and mobile operators, improving outcomes for everyone involved.

During the episode Paulo reflects on his role from planning officer to digital placemaker. He explains that his journey into digital placemaking wasn’t planned. Like many local authority planners, his role initially focused on traditional development management. But through working closely with mobile operators and seeing first-hand the challenges faced by connectivity deployments, his responsibilities increasingly took on a digital focus.

As Paulo explains, becoming a “digital placemaker” does not mean being a technical expert in radio planning or telecoms engineering. Instead, it is about mediation – translating policy, technical detail and local concerns so that all parties understand what is being proposed and why.

“The same thing that we’re reading means different things for everyone. My role is about making sure that everyone understands what’s in front of them and what’s actually trying to be achieved.”

One of the clearest benefits of a digital placemaker is providing a consistent, trusted point of contact between the council and the mobile industry. From a local authority perspective, this clarity helps avoid what can otherwise feel like ad hoc or “random” applications appearing without context. From an industry perspective, it creates an opportunity to discuss need, siting and policy interpretation early, reducing refusals and delays later in the process.

By embedding digital placemaking into planning and development management, councils can help ensure that growth is not just about buildings, but about connected places where people can truly live better. Watch the latest episode for more information or visit our Digital Champions website section here.

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