Councils in the UK may soon start using a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to turn old planning records into digital files. This is part of the Government’s goal to build 1.5 million new homes.
The new tool is called Extract and was created by a team in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It can scan blurry maps and handwritten notes, turning them into clear digital data that’s easy to use and share.
Before being fully used, the tool will go through several safety tests. If all goes well, it could be ready by the end of the year.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said this tool will help councils make faster and better decisions. Right now, it can take 1 to 2 hours for a planner to process old records—but this tool can do the same job in just 40 seconds.
Kyle added that slow processes and outdated paperwork have made it hard for councils to keep up. Using smart technology like this can help improve the planning system and reach the housing goals faster.
The DSIT also said this tool could help other parts of government since many services use location-based data.
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has also supported more digital tools in public services, saying it could save up to £45 billion each year. His party also plans to make the planning process faster and give councils more power to get land for new homes.
Joe Hill, a policy expert from the Reform think tank, said using new technology is a good idea. But he warned that for real results, many councils need to use the tool every day—not just for tests or small trials.
He also said that while digitizing helps, fixing the planning system itself is just as important to build the homes the UK needs.
Source: finance.yahoo
