The Government has unveiled two new AI tools to modernise England’s planning system and speed up the processing of planning applications.
The first is a new AI prototype that aims to halve the time it takes to process householder planning applications, from eight to four weeks in an average case.
Tested with Barnet, Camden and Dorset councils, it triages applications, summarises key information and provides planning officers with an initial assessment they can consider when making their decision.
The second tool, known as Extract, is now available to all councils in England. It uses AI to help planning officers convert decades-old planning documents and maps, sometimes with handwritten notes, into readily useable data in minutes.
Minister for Data and Modern Digital Government Ian Murray said: ‘When someone wants to add a bedroom or convert their loft, they shouldn’t be waiting months for a straightforward decision. And planning officers shouldn’t be spending hours digging through decades of paper records when making the decisions that really matter.
‘These tools give planning officers better support to make quicker decisions – and give families the answers they deserve, faster.’
‘This isn’t about replacing the expertise and judgement of planning professionals; it’s about taking admin off their desks so they can focus on the skilled work their communities need most,’ he added.
