Business · 2026-10-30
AI helps speed up building permit decisions in the UK
The PlanAssist tool from Google DeepMind cut the time officers spend on routine building applications in British councils by 58%, and it will now be tested in 12 more English councils.
What PlanAssist is
PlanAssist is an AI tool that takes over routine checks of building permit applications so that planning officers can focus on complex cases. It was developed by Google DeepMind together with the UK government, Google Cloud and Faculty, and it is built with Gemini.
A qualified officer still makes the final decision on every application. The AI only speeds up the checks.
What the first tests showed
In early testing across Barnet, Camden and Dorset, the average time an officer spent on routine householder applications dropped by 58%.
More than 70% of the reports the tool generated were approved by officers without any edits. These included checks such as whether a project complies with local planning rules and whether all required documents were submitted.
How the tool works
PlanAssist first checks that an application has all the required documents and architectural drawings. It then compares the project with restrictions on heritage sites and protected trees, such as tree preservation orders, and with local and national planning policies.
It also checks whether issues or objections were raised earlier, for example by local residents. Finally, it drafts a report with citations that the officer can edit before a decision is made.
Why it matters and what comes next
Routine applications account for up to 70% of planning officers' workloads, even though they are often simple to approve. Delays can mean months of waiting for things like a loft conversion, a conservatory or an extension. The UK government aims to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, and faster decisions are meant to help.
PlanAssist is now entering a 12-month Beta phase using live applications. Twelve more councils will be added in three cohorts, bringing the total to 15. If testing succeeds, the government plans to make the tool available to all councils in England in 2027.
Sources: 🔗 Google DeepMind Blog