The government has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to modernise England’s planning system and reduce delays in housing delivery. Dubbed “Extract,” the technology was introduced in June 2025 as part of the broader “Plan for Change” initiative, which aims to accelerate housing development through digital innovation.
Developed by the Government Digital Service in collaboration with Google DeepMind, the tool can scan and process thousands of planning documents, such as hand-drawn site plans, written applications, and maps, in seconds. Currently, local authorities spend an estimated 250,000 hours each year manually reviewing documents, slowing down application timelines and draining resources.
Pilot schemes in Hillingdon, Exeter, and Nuneaton & Bedworth showed that Extract could handle around 350,000 planning applications annually. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has stated that the tool will be made available to all councils in England by spring 2026.
Extract is a key part of the government’s goal to deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of the next Parliament. Officials say the tool is crucial for unlocking land, attracting investment, and speeding up planning decisions.
While planners and developers have welcomed the innovation, some experts caution against over-reliance on AI, expressing concerns about data accuracy, algorithmic bias, and the continuing need for human oversight in complex cases. The government has pledged to provide guidance, training, and ethical use protocols to support councils during rollout.
