New rules have been introduced to speed up planning decisions.
From 31st October, straightforward applications will be decided by expert planning officers rather than waiting for a planning committee slot.
This should help families and businesses to get decisions sooner.
The new National Scheme of Delegation will give greater certainty for applicants, while freeing up councillors to focus on the most significant developments.
In addition, 420 new planners have been recruited through government-backed programmes, surpassing the government’s 2024 manifesto commitment to recruit 300 additional planners.
Furthermore, new AI technology is being rolled out to take time-consuming admin off planners’ desks. It will also help homeowners get quicker decisions on their applications, like getting permission for a house extension or a conservatory.
Developed with Google DeepMind, Google Cloud, Faculty and local authorities, PlanAssist brings together applications, policies and site constraints into one place for trained officers to review. Early testing cut time spent on key planning tasks by 58 per cent.
Following a successful trial in Camden, Barnet and Dorset Councils, the tool will now expand to 15 councils for 12 months. It should be available to every council in England by the end of 2027.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Families wanting more space and businesses looking to grow shouldn’t be left waiting unnecessarily for straightforward planning decisions.
“We’re giving councils the people, tools and reforms they need to get applications moving faster, while freeing up planners and councillors to focus on the developments that will deliver the homes and infrastructure communities need.
“We’ve already beaten our manifesto commitment to recruit 300 planners, and we’re going further with 1,400 new recruits across the planning system by the end of this Parliament.”
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said: “Whether it’s building an extension or converting a loft, families shouldn’t face unnecessary delays getting the go-ahead to improve their homes.
“This is what putting AI to work for the public looks like in practice. By slashing the time spent on routine planning tasks by more than half, we’re helping families get quicker answers while freeing up skilled planners to focus on the major developments that will get Britain building.”
