The role of Artificial Intelligence in Town Planning

There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a key role in the future of town planning.  For many years now, planning in the UK has suffered a negative reputation as being a 'major barrier' to development and so at a time when the need for housing is greater than ever, AI's potential to transform the planning process should not be underestimated. 

Following Rachel Reeves' announcement in July that mandatory housing targets would return, AI-powered tools could greatly improve the efficiency of local authorities in setting these targets and accelerating the preparation of Local Plans.  The use of predictive modelling and specialised algorithms to project demand for new housing and map out key locations for development could provide councils with an efficient solution for allocating strategic sites.

AI-powered tools can also be used to streamline the planning application process and improve communication between key stakeholders. 

With the volume of planning applications projected to increase under Labour's government, AI is eventually expected to automate part of the planning process, including validation which would help to cut delays and prevent backlogs.  Decision-making on applications with clear-cut criteria such as prior approval applications for permitted development could very feasibly become automated too. 

AI also offers vast opportunities to improve the participatory element of planning by utilising a range of public engagement platforms with local communities. However, whilst this could make planning a more inclusive process, could such changes promote NIMBY-ism and accentuate the political flaws of the current planning system?