In a significant move towards modernising its planning processes, the UK government is introducing an AI-powered tool named ‘Extract’ to local council planning departments. This initiative aims to digitise outdated, paper-based systems, thereby streamlining the housing approval process and accelerating the delivery of new homes.​

‘Extract’ has demonstrated the capability to convert blurry maps and handwritten notes into legible, scannable data within 40 seconds—a task that traditionally takes humans one to two hours. This efficiency is expected to play a crucial role in the government’s broader strategy to address the housing crisis by delivering 300,000 new homes annually.​

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has introduced planning reforms to ease development restrictions and empower councils to acquire undeveloped land. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that these changes could increase economic growth by 0.2% by 2029 and 0.4% by 2035. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised that AI integration will enhance the quality and speed of planning decisions, contributing to the goal of constructing 1.5 million homes.​

The ‘Extract’ tool is expected to become available to local authorities within the year, marking a significant step in the UK’s journey towards integrating AI into public services.