Government aims to support its plans to build 1.5 million new homes across the country with the Extract tech system that can convert scans and weatherbeaten files into electronic info
A new artificial intelligence tool being developed by government aims to help local councils’ planning operations turn old and unclear physical documents into detailed digital data sets.
The technology – dubbed ‘Extract’ – is being created by the Whitehall’s Incubator for AI, working alongside the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The intention is to enable authorities to access better data – ultimately supporting quicker and improved planning decisions.
The government said that, in processing planning applications, a large number of councils still rely on paper files and PDF copies of scanned documents. This leads to “backlogs, inefficiencies, and wasted resources”, according to government.
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“The new generative AI tool will turn old planning documents—including blurry maps and handwritten notes—into clear, digital data in just 40 seconds, drastically reducing the one to two hours it typically takes planners,” the MHCLG and i.AI added. “By pulling key information from thousands of files, the tool helps cut delays, reduce errors in data, speed up planning decisions – freeing up planners’ time to focus on building the homes Britain needs.”
The system is currently undergoing tests, with the aim of rolling out the tool to councils by the end of 2025. Beyond that, the government believes that the technology has further “potential applications across the public sector – because location-specific data is used to deliver services and inform government policy and decisions across departments”.
Technology secretary Peter Kyle said: “The UK’s planning system has been held back for too long by outdated paper documents, slow processes, making it nearly impossible for councils to make informed decisions quickly.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.”
