New planning rules and AI launch to cut decision delays
- New planning rules take effect today, 31 October 2026.
- The National Scheme of Delegation allows officers to bypass committees for straightforward applications.
- PlanAssist AI can reduce processing time for householder applications from eight weeks to four.
- The government has recruited 420 new planners, exceeding its 2024 manifesto target.
- Over £14 million is being invested in the 2026/27 financial year to support planning recruitment.
The Andy Burnham government has introduced new planning regulations and the National Scheme of Delegation, which take effect today, 31 October 2026. These measures allow expert planning officers to decide straightforward applications without needing planning committee slots.
This policy change aims to accelerate the decision-making process for both homeowners and businesses. The government is implementing these rules to address and reduce delays within the planning system.
PlanAssist AI tool halves householder application times
The government has launched an artificial intelligence tool called PlanAssist to help officers manage the majority of planning applications.
Initial trials of the tool showed a 58% decrease in time dedicated to essential planning duties, assisting in cutting the processing duration for standard householder applications in half, from eight weeks down to four. Householder applications represent nearly 70% of all planning applications submitted annually.
Local councils are not required to use the software as it is not mandatory.
Government invests £14 million in planning recruitment
The government has recruited 420 new planners through government-backed programmes, exceeding its 2024 manifesto commitment to hire 300 additional planners. The goal of this initiative is to secure 1,400 fresh recruits throughout the planning system before the current Parliament concludes.
The Department is investing more than £14 million during the 2026/27 financial year into two primary routes for entering the planning profession. The Local Government Association delivers the Pathways to Planning graduate scheme, which provides a two-year placement and master’s-level training for individuals working in local planning authorities.
For the 2026/27 financial year, over £12 million has been allocated to the Pathways to Planning scheme, including £8.5 million specifically for salary bursaries. Public Practice, a social enterprise focused on matching mid-career built-environment professionals with public sector positions, is being granted more than £2 million in funding over the same timeframe.
Of the total funding for Public Practice, £1.6 million is dedicated to salary support for eligible councils. Beyond direct placements, Public Practice supports local authorities by helping them improve recruitment processes, address organisational barriers, and encourage more inclusive hiring.
Expansion of AI trials and digitisation mandate
Following initial trials in Camden, Barnet, and Dorset, the government has expanded PlanAssist testing to 12 additional councils.
By the close of 2027, the government plans to provide the PlanAssist tool to all councils throughout England.
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