Expediting Planning Applications Through AI Tool 'Extract'
The UK Government has unveiled a groundbreaking AI tool named 'Extract' to streamline the processing of planning documents for local councils and planning officers. This innovative technology, supported by Google, aims to increase productivity, reduce administrative burden, and improve the speed and reliability of planning decisions.
In trials with councils such as Hillingdon, Nuneaton & Bedworth, and Exeter, 'Extract' demonstrated its ability to convert planning records into a digital format in approximately 3 minutes per file, compared to the traditional 1 to 2 hours needed for manual processing. This dramatic time reduction enables councils to handle around 100 documents daily, significantly enhancing productivity and allowing planning officers to focus on decision-making rather than data entry.
By transforming static paper-based records into structured, accessible digital data, 'Extract' helps reduce the workload associated with checking planning applications against historical maps and policy documents—a task that previously consumed 250,000 collective hours per year among planning officers. The tool streamlines the process for residents and developers by clarifying development rights before applications are submitted, reducing application rejections and delays.
The government's plans for 'Extract' and digital planning are part of a wider investment in modernising a historically paper-based, bureaucratic system. By the end of 2026, the government aims to expand 'Extract's capabilities to process all types of planning documents and make the converted data publicly accessible via a government service on gov.uk.
The potential benefits of 'Extract' are far-reaching. It is expected to contribute to significant cost savings, as councils currently spend £59.4 million annually on digital planning, with government estimates suggesting potential public sector savings of around £527 million per year from such digital efforts. Furthermore, 'Extract' supports the government's digital planning agenda, improving transparency and accessibility of planning information for councils, businesses, developers, and citizens.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that the government is working with businesses to change the outdated planning system, aiming to speed up decisions and unlock new homes. This initiative is part of the government's Plan for Change, which aims to build 1.5 million more homes and deliver a planning system fit for the 21st century.
The government is exploring options to streamline deployment further, including the development of a document-scanning app. Keir Starmer made these statements during London Tech Week, highlighting the potential of technology to revolutionise the planning sector and make it more accessible for all.
Artificial Intelligence, through the government's AI tool 'Extract', is set to revolutionize the housing sector by significantly speeding up the processing of planning documents, reducing the traditional manually processed time from 1-2 hours to approximately 3 minutes per file. Additionally, by converting these records into digital data, 'Extract' is expected to contribute to substantial cost savings and support the government's digital planning agenda, making planning information more accessible to councils, businesses, and citizens.
