Planning permission in minutes? Meet the AI tool that’s changing the game to speed up approvals

The UK government has introduced a new AI-powered tool aimed at speeding up planning permission by reducing the amount of time it takes to process paperwork from hours to just a few minutes.

Announced at London Tech Week, Extract is designed to help local councils process planning documents more quickly and efficiently.

This technology supports the government’s wider goal to build 1.5 million new homes by modernising the planning system and reducing delays.

How AI will work in planning applications

Extract uses advanced artificial intelligence to scan and digitise planning documents – including handwritten notes and maps – that have traditionally required manual review.

In pilot trials in councils such as Hillingdon, Nuneaton & Bedworth, and Exeter, Extract was able to convert planning files in around three minutes each, compared to the usual one to two hours it takes planning officers.

By automating this process, Extract helps councils handle large volumes of planning applications faster, freeing up staff to focus on decision-making rather than paperwork.

Matthew Wallbridge, Chief Operating Officer at Hillingdon Council, explained: “The UK Planning System relies on paper-based processes, and AI can help to read and then extract the key information from it, to help both residents and planning officers. The productivity benefits will allow for a faster and cheaper service.”

Tom Shardlow, CEO of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, added: “Working with the Extract team, we have seen the outputs from Extract, and how these could improve our service, providing high-quality, digital, GeoSpatial data and how this could speed up the process for our planning team.”

Positive impact on local authorities and housebuilding

The government have said pilot implementations of Extract have demonstrated significant potential to reduce delays in planning permission, a key barrier to timely housing development.

Faster processing of planning records will help councils reduce backlogs, cut costs and speed up how you get planning permission approval. The tool’s rollout forms part of the government’s Planning & Infrastructure Bill.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, our outdated planning system has held back our country – slowing down the development of vital infrastructure and making it harder to get the homes we need built. With Extract, we’re harnessing the power of AI to help planning officers cut red tape, speed up decisions, and unlock the new homes for hard-working people as part of our Plan for Change.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stated: “By using cutting-edge technology like Extract we can fix the broken planning system, cut delays, save money, and also reduce burdens on councils to help pave the way for the biggest building boom in a generation.”

The future of planning permission

The government plans to roll out Extract to all local councils in England by Spring 2026, with the aim of fully digitising the planning system by the end of that year.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise public services, making planning more transparent, accessible, and efficient.

By leveraging AI technology, Extract is expected to play a key role in supporting faster housing development and infrastructure growth.