Google AI cuts UK planning checks by 58%

Google DeepMind said on the 31st of October 2026 that its PlanAssist tool cut UK planning check times by up to 58%. Twelve more councils in England will now use it.

PlanAssist is built with Gemini, Google's AI model. It helps planning officers handle routine home requests, such as loft conversions and extensions.

How it works

The tool checks that plans and drawings are complete, Google DeepMind said. It then checks local rules, protected trees and past objections from neighbours.

It drafts a report with sources that officers can edit. Officers keep the final say on every decision.

Pilot results

The tool has been tested in Barnet, Camden and Dorset since June, Google DeepMind said. Officers approved more than 70% of its reports with no edits.

Routine home requests make up to 70% of planning officers' work, the company said.

What comes next

A 12 month trial with live requests will bring the total to 15 councils. The government plans to offer it to all councils in England in 2027 if tests go well.

The UK government wants 1.5 million new homes built by 2029.

Below we break down the time saved

A 58% cut means a check that took 60 minutes would take about 25 minutes, by our arithmetic.

Key facts

PlanAssist cut officer time on home extension checks by up to 58%.

It is built with Google's Gemini model.

12 more councils will join, for 15 in total.

Officers keep the final say on every decision.