A new AI tool meant to streamline planning applications is being launched to aid planning officers
The Extract AI tool takes the process of comparing planning applications to historical maps and policy documents.
The tool then takes any notes (handwritten or otherwise) and puts them into a much easier to access format for planning officers to make easier decisions.
This comes as part of the government’s plan to adopt and utilise AI in official processes to unclog bureaucratic systems.
The tool could save hundreds of hours
Currently it is estimated that planning officers collectively spend 250,000 hours per year checking planning application documents against maps and policy documents, and a third of applications are being rejects every year.
The Extract AI tool streamlines the process on the developer or resident end, through clarifying what developments or improvements can be made in their area before submitting the application.
It will do this through scanning policy documents and maps and extracting useful information, such as development rights, addresses, dates, etc. and then will trace boundaries on the map around specific areas related to the information. It will then use geolocation to place these boundaries on a modern map.
Work is now being undertaken to bring the rool to councils, with local authority representatives able to contact digitalplanningteam@communities.gov.uk to register interest in piloting the software.
“These kinds of efficiencies will ensure plans pass through the system more quickly”
Chris Ball, president, UK & Ireland, AtkinsRéalis said: “Streamlining and digitising the planning system is at the heart of how infrastructure can unlock rapid growth around the UK.
“Deploying AI in this way will address resourcing issues, and create a foundation to build upon the work that has been done in pockets of excellence around the country to centralise planning data, standardise records and terms and provide a comprehensive and joined-up view of applications to speed up and simplify planning at city, town and county level.
“These kinds of efficiencies will ensure plans pass through the system more quickly, to deliver the benefits to people in need of new homes and better transport links to connect communities and open up opportunities.
“As a company involved in the planning, consenting and delivery of UK infrastructure, from major energy and transportation projects through to small sites for social housing via our EDAROTH development business, we can see the huge potential for AI tools like Extract to revolutionise the planning system, turning it from a blocker to an enabler for growth.”
Tony Mulhall, RICS senior specialist – land & resources, said: “Today’s announcement is an exciting step forward for the digital transformation of the planning system, which is essential to significantly speed up the planning process and the delivery of new homes and infrastructure. The trials have clearly been a success but rolling this technology out across local authorities will require time and investment, a significant short-term challenge given the pressures local authority planning teams are already facing. As well as implementation in England, the Government should also facilitate access of this technology in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.”
The Extract AI tool will be available at planning.data.gov.uk.
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