NE Times
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Councils to get AI planning tools as government chases 1.5 million homes

Ministers are rolling out artificial intelligence tools to local planning departments in a bid to halve decision times, part of a wider package of reforms designed to accelerate housebuilding across England.

Eleanor Whitfield

Writer ·

7 min read
A planning officer reviewing housing development drawings on a computer screen in a council office
A planning officer reviewing housing development drawings on a computer screen in a council office · Illustrative section image

  • AI prototype aims to halve householder decision times from 8 to 4 weeks
  • Extract tool converts old planning documents into digital data in minutes
  • Now available to all councils in England
  • Part of a drive to build 1.5 million homes
  • Human planners retain the final decision on applications

Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by GOV.UK / AI tool to slash planning decision times. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.

The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.

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