A new artificial intelligence tool in development could help local councils across the UK tackle housing shortages by streamlining the planning process
The tool, designed to digitise old and usually difficult-to-read planning documents, hopes to speed up decisions and reduce backlogs, supporting the government’s goal of building 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament.
AI steps to modernise outdated planning systems
A lot of councils still rely on outdated paper-based planning systems and scanned PDFs that slow down workflows and make it harder to process applications efficiently.
These systems often create bottlenecks, causing delays in building projects and contributing to the housing crisis. The new AI technology, “Extract,” is being developed to change that by making data more accessible, accurate, and easier to use.
Faster document processing
In the testing phase, Extract can transform low-quality scans, handwritten notes, and even blurry maps into precise, machine-readable data in just 40 seconds.
This task typically takes planning officers one to two hours to complete manually. By drastically cutting the time required to digitise planning documents, the tool allows planners to focus on higher-value tasks, such as assessing applications and engaging with communities.
The tool is part of a wider plan to modernise planning systems across the country, helping councils adopt smarter digital solutions. Extract works by scanning thousands of files and extracting key data, which it organises into structured digital formats.
This makes the information easier to search, share, and analyse, allowing for faster and more informed decision-making.
By increasing the availability and quality of planning data, the AI system is expected to support better decision-making at the local level and reduce the administrative burden on planning departments.
This could be a vital development in achieving the government’s Plan for Change milestone, which includes building 1.5 million homes and driving economic growth. The use of technology like Extract comes when the government aims to modernise the entire planning system.
Unlocking time and resources for planners
It builds on recent planning reforms, including updates to the National Planning Policy Framework and the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
These changes are intended to make the system more responsive to the country’s growing housing needs and boost economic output. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, these changes could add £6.8 billion to the economy, resulting in the highest housebuilding levels over four decades.
The potential for Extract extends to other parts of the public sector. Many government services rely on location-specific data, and a tool that can rapidly and accurately process this information could be applied across departments to improve service delivery and policy decisions.
The rollout of Extract is part of a bigger push to use technology to improve public sector productivity. The government estimates that adopting modern tech could unlock £45 billion in savings, allowing departments to do more with fewer resources while delivering better services to the public.
If early testing proves successful, councils could use the AI tool later this year. Its adoption would mark a major step forward in the digital transformation of public planning, helping to accelerate development timelines and meet the growing demand for new housing across the UK.
