The UK government has introduced a new AI tool, Extract, aimed at expediting the processing of planning applications by local authority officers. Announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during London Tech Week, this AI assistant, developed with Google’s support, is designed to convert handwritten planning documents and maps into digital data. This initiative seeks to eliminate the 250,000 hours spent annually by planning officers on manual document checks. In trials conducted in Hillingdon, Nuneaton & Bedworth, and Exeter, Extract demonstrated its ability to digitize planning records in just three minutes, compared to the usual 1–2 hours.
The tool is expected to be available to all councils by Spring 2026, as part of a broader effort to digitize the planning system. This rollout aims to allow planning officers to focus on larger projects and accelerate decision-making for new housing developments. The government emphasizes that this technology will cut red tape, speed up processes, and facilitate the construction of new homes.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner highlighted the potential of Extract to reform the planning system, reduce delays, and alleviate council burdens, paving the way for significant construction growth. Google’s DeepMind CEO, Demis Hassabis, expressed excitement over the government’s choice to use AI to enhance the planning process. Tom Shardlow, CEO of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, noted the positive impact of Extract in trial phases, observing improvements in service quality and efficiency for their Planning Team.
