AI in Planning
Received: 2 December 2025
I am writing to enquire about how the Local Planning Authority is preparing for, or currently responding to, the proposed introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within the planning system.Given recent government announcements and pilot schemes relating to AI assisted document processing, environmental assessment, and consultation analysis, I am keen to understand:1.How the Council is planning to implement any AI-based systems in the processing or assessment of planning applications;2.What role AI is expected to play'e.g., administrative support, document extraction, environmental data analysis, or initial screening;3.Whether human oversight and professional judgement will be maintained in decision-making; 4.Whether applicants or agents will be notified if an AI tool is used at any stage of assessing their submission;5.What the target date for introducing the changes would be; and6.What changes to the decision-making timetable will be involved in the transitional period;As an agent, it is essential to understand how these developments may affect future applications, processing timelines, and consultation procedures.Thank you in advance for your assistance. I would appreciate any information you are able to provide, or guidance on where I might find further details.