AI Revolution in Planning: PM Unveils “Extract” to Transform the UK’s Planning System

In a landmark move to overhaul England’s outdated planning system, on 9th June, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the launch of Extract, a groundbreaking AI tool designed to dramatically modernise the way planning officers and local councils process applications.

(Source: rawpixel.com / Markus Spiske)

Developed in collaboration with Google, Extract is the government’s newest digital innovation aimed at reducing delays, cutting costs and unlocking much-needed housing delivery across the country.

A System Under Strain

Every year around 350,000 planning applications are submitted in England. Yet despite this volume, much of the planning system still relies on manual processing of paper documents, often hundreds of pages long, requiring exhaustive validation by already overstretched planning officers.

This outdated process costs councils both time and money, while delaying development and frustrating applicants.

Meet Extract: AI-Powered Transformation

To address these challenges, the government has introduced Extract, an AI assistant purpose-built for the planning system. It converts complex, static documents (including handwritten notes and legacy maps) into structured, machine-readable data within minutes.

In trials with councils including Hillingdon, Nuneaton and Bedworth and Exeter, Extract processed planning records in just three minutes each, compared to the 1–2 hours required manually. That is up to 100 planning records per day, per officer.

Unlocking Major Benefits Across the Sector

For Local Authorities:

• Frees up planners to focus on assessments, not data entry.

• Converts decades of planning history into usable digital data, quickly and accurately.

• Cuts down the estimated 250,000 hours spent each year validating documents.

• Eases compliance with national data standards and supports smarter software adoption.

For Developers and Communities:

• Clearer, open data simplifies rules and boosts application quality.

• Faster decisions reduce project risk and uncertainty.

• Case in point: Camden Council saw a 60% drop in planning-related enquiries, saving 21+ hours a month, after publishing clearer planning data.

For Housing Delivery:

• Enables councils to better identify viable sites.

• Accelerates progress on housing targets - especially affordable and social homes.

• Supports the national mission to build 1.5 million new homes this Parliament.

For Innovation:

• Paves the way for new tools: automated policy checks, site viability assessments and public-facing platforms to make planning more transparent and user-friendly.

For the Nation:

• A fully digitised system will be more predictable, transparent and scalable.

• Estimated to save the public sector £527 million per year by reducing reliance on paper-based processes and fragmented digital tools.

Leadership on the Future of Planning

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stated:

“From day one we made an unwavering promise to use every tool at our disposal to build the 1.5 million homes and vital infrastructure through our Plan for Change that our local communities desperately need.

By using cutting-edge technology like Extract we can fix the broken planning system, cut delays, save money, and also reduce burdens on councils to help pave the way for the biggest building boom in a generation”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“With Extract, we’re harnessing the power of AI to help planning officers cut red tape, speed up decisions, and unlock the new homes for hard-working people as part of our Plan for Change.

It’s a bold step forward in our mission to build 1.5 million more homes and deliver a planning system that’s fit for the 21st century”.

What is Next?

Extract is set to roll out to all local councils by Spring 2026, forming a key part of the government’s broader planning reform and digital transformation strategy.

With over £59.4 million already being spent annually by councils on digital planning tools, this new technology promises to dramatically amplify those investments - delivering a system that’s faster, smarter and ready for the future.

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As the planning landscape becomes increasingly data-driven, our team at Bluestone Planning stands ready to help local authorities and developers navigate this transformation — ensuring they make the most of the digital tools shaping the next generation of planning.

Stay tuned for more insights and implementation updates as Extract rolls out nationwide.

For more information on how we can assist you, contact us at Bluestone Planning by calling +44 1235 766825 or emailing admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk