A new AI tool designed to speed up the planning process by digitising data could be available to councils later this year, according to the government.

Currently, many councils still use paper documents and scanned PDFs to inform their planning decisions, resulting in backlogs, inefficiencies, and wasted resources.

But a new generative AI tool is being tested that will turn old planning documents—including blurry maps and handwritten notes—into clear, digital data in just 40 seconds. By pulling key information from thousands of files, the tool helps cut delays, reduce errors in data, speed up planning decisions.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “The UK’s planning system has been held back for too long by outdated paper documents, slow processes, making it nearly impossible for councils to make informed decisions quickly.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re using the power of AI to transform sluggish systems so we can start to rebuild. With Extract, councils will have access to better quality data so they can move more quickly on planning decisions and get on with driving growth.

“Technology like this could be a vital step towards councils meeting targets to help build the 1.5 million new homes the country needs, all while updating and improving the planning system for the future.”

Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook added: “We need local planning authorities to be making informed decisions faster. By harnessing new technology like Extract, we can tackle backlogs, inefficiencies and waste and ensure councils are focusing precious time and resources on efficiently determining applications to build new homes.”