The UK government has unveiled “Extract,” an artificial intelligence assistant designed to digitise planning documents and dramatically reduce construction approval times. Launched during London Tech Week, Extract employs Google DeepMind’s Gemini model to convert decades-old, handwritten planning applications into structured digital data in minutes.
England’s planning system processes around 350,000 applications each year, many still submitted on paper. Manual validation of these files can demand up to two hours per document, equating to roughly a quarter of a million officer hours annually. In pilot trials with Hillingdon, Nuneaton & Bedworth, and Exeter councils, Extract scanned and extracted key information in just three minutes per application, cutting administrative workload by over 75%.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the technology’s central role in the government’s “Plan for Change,” which aims to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029. He noted that faster approvals will not only remove bureaucratic barriers but also accelerate vital infrastructure projects, unlock affordable housing and support economic growth in communities nationwide.
Beyond speeding up data entry, Extract is expected to improve data accuracy and transparency by providing searchable, standardised records for planners and developers. The tool will roll out to all local authorities by spring 2026, freeing planning officers to focus on decision-making, boosting construction sector productivity and enabling swifter delivery of homes and community facilities.
