Oct 31, 2026
Google DeepMind announces a 12-month PlanAssist beta using live planning applications, adding 12 councils in England in three cohorts. The Gemini-based tool checks documents and policies and drafts cited reports for planning officers.
Early pilots in Barnet, Camden and Dorset reported a 58% reduction in officer assessment time, not a nationwide result. Qualified officers review and approve every assessment before deciding. Availability to all English councils in 2027 is conditional on successful testing.