Google DeepMind has announced the development of PlanAssist, a tool designed to help UK government planning officers accelerate building and renovation approvals nationwide. Built on the Gemini model, the system aims to streamline administrative workflows that traditionally require extensive manual evaluation by local authorities.
According to data shared by Google DeepMind, trials have shown that PlanAssist can reduce the time planning officers spend assessing householder applications by up to 58%. This level of efficiency is expected to help address application backlogs and speed up local residential projects.
Following initial testing, the Gemini-powered tool is being rolled out to 12 planning authorities across the UK. Deploying AI within public sector workflows represents a practical initiative by DeepMind to demonstrate the utility of large language models in government administration.
Detailed information regarding the system's technical implementation, broader nationwide expansion plans, and independent feedback from participating officers has not yet been disclosed.