FOI Request - AI in Planning

Request 101003851210

Please may I request the following information: 

1. Any policies, strategies, guidance documents, or internal reports held by you that reference the use of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, or machine learning in the planning application process, or by planning officers.

2. any details of trials, pilots, or procurement of AI or automation tools intended to support planning application validation, assessment, or decision-making?
 

3. Any internal guidance or instructions provided to planning officers on handling planning applications where AI has been used by applicants or agents (e.g., AI-generated planning statements, policy summaries, or other submission materials).
 

Response 02-10-2025

1. None.

2. Corporate trial for Co-pilot to be embedded into Microsoft 365 software for a limited number of staff in the whole Council earlier this year, but no AI software specific to processing planning applications nor integrated with planning software/GIS etc., has been deployed.

3. None.