AI in planning applications
You may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help prepare your planning application and supporting information. This guidance explains what you should tell us when AI has been used to create or substantially change any part of your planning submission.
We ask for this information so case officers can understand the source and handling of the material they are assessing. This helps them make fair, transparent and well-reasoned decisions.
You do not need to tell us about routine tools such as spellchecking, grammar suggestions, formatting tools, or accessibility functions.
Use of AI will not give any application greater or lesser weight in the planning process.
When you need to tell us about AI use
Tell us if you have used AI to:
- draft or substantially rewrite text
- produce a summary or analysis
- generate or alter images or videos
- create content that goes beyond straightforward formatting or presentation
Failure to disclose significant AI use may affect how the submission is assessed.
How to provide your declaration
You only need to provide a short statement. This can be in your covering email, letter or included as part of your supporting statement.
What to include in your statement:
- Confirmation that AI was used
- Which tool you used
- for example, Copilot, ChatGPT or another application
- What it was used for and how it was used
- for example, if it was used to draft an objection in general or a specific part of an objection.
- for example, if any images or videos have been generated or altered, say which parts have changed
- What checks you made and that you take responsibility for the accuracy of the content
Professional parties
Professional parties are expected to take responsibility for the accuracy and lawfulness of the material they submit.
If you are a member of a professional body, you should also use AI in line with your professional code of practice. The advice on what to include given above could be incorporated into your endorsement.
Comment on planning applications (representations)
Interested parties may use AI to help draft or translate their representation. If you do, include a short statement saying so.
Follow the advice on what to include in your statement, making sure you are clear about taking responsibility for what you send. For example:
"I have used AI to help draft this representation. Specifically, I used Microsoft CoPilot to help me draft my comments on the planning policies. I have checked it and I am responsible for what it says."
Why we ask for this information
Providing a brief statement helps us understand how the material was produced and assess it fairly.
While AI presents a very useful tool, the results it gives are not always perfect. AI is also capable of creating fake representations or evidence, or other types of fake text and images.
Good practice
Planning officers may use AI responsibly by checking outputs, applying professional judgement, and ensuring accuracy. AI may be used to improve efficiency, not replace expertise. Peer review, clear documentation, and ongoing monitoring are important to ensure quality and compliance.
AI can improve efficiency in planning services, but must be used carefully. It should support, not replace, decision-making. Human oversight, data protection, fairness, and transparency must always be maintained. Public trust and accountability remain central to all planning activities.
Planning assessment and decision-making
AI will not be used to make planning decisions. It can help highlight key issues or summarise relevant policies, but decisions will always be made by a planning officer.
Officers must use their professional judgement and consider local context, material considerations and site‑specific factors.