Here’s our summary of the key planning news from the last week.
1️⃣ PM unveils revolutionary AI tool for planning
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that a new AI tool for planning called “Extract” will be made available to Councils nationally by Spring 2026. The announcement states that this cutting-edge technology will help Councils convert decades-old, handwritten planning documents and maps into data.
The tool is expected to dramatically reduce delays that have long plagued the planning system, by digitising documents in a matter of minutes, compared to the hours it can take to do so manually.
2️⃣ £39bn for Affordable Housing
On Wednesday (11th), Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the previous government’s Affordable Homes Programme would be replaced with a Labour “successor”.
Whilst the previous programme had been operating on a budget of £11.5bn, Reeves announced Labour will be investing £39 bn over the next decade, from 2026-27 to 2035-36. The investment will focus on supporting housebuilding, especially for social rent, to provide “homes built for working people”.
The announcement was welcomed by much of the planning and development industry.
The adopted Development Plan Document outlines a framework for around 7,500 new homes, integrated transport links including a Rapid Transit System, green infrastructure including a new Salary Brook Country Park, a new A120-A133 link road, as well as employment and education opportunities to support a thriving mixed-use community.
4️⃣ Three Councils de-designated
As of 6 June, three local planning authorities have been de-designated by the Secretary of State in respect of applications for planning permission for major development, namely:
Applications for major development can no longer be made directly to PINS, but must now be submitted to the Local Planning Authority in the normal way.
5️⃣ UDC Local Plan Examination
The Uttlesford District Council Local Plan Examination is ongoing, running from 10 – 19 June 2025 (reserve days 20 June and 29 – 31 July 2025).
The examination is live streamed but not recorded. A link can be found on the Council’s website.
If you would like any further details, please get in touch 🍁
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that a new AI tool for planning called “Extract” will be made available to Councils nationally by Spring 2026. The announcement states that this cutting-edge technology will help Councils convert decades-old, handwritten planning documents and maps into data.
The tool is expected to dramatically reduce delays that have long plagued the planning system, by digitising documents in a matter of minutes, compared to the hours it can take to do so manually.
2️⃣ £39bn for Affordable Housing
On Wednesday (11th), Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the previous government’s Affordable Homes Programme would be replaced with a Labour “successor”.
Whilst the previous programme had been operating on a budget of £11.5bn, Reeves announced Labour will be investing £39 bn over the next decade, from 2026-27 to 2035-36. The investment will focus on supporting housebuilding, especially for social rent, to provide “homes built for working people”.
The announcement was welcomed by much of the planning and development industry.
3️⃣ TCBGC Development Plan Document adopted
The Development Plan Document for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community was voted to be formally adopted by Colchester City Council on 9 June. Tendring District Council’s and Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Joint Committee already voted to adopt earlier this year.
The adopted Development Plan Document outlines a framework for around 7,500 new homes, integrated transport links including a Rapid Transit System, green infrastructure including a new Salary Brook Country Park, a new A120-A133 link road, as well as employment and education opportunities to support a thriving mixed-use community.
4️⃣ Three Councils de-designated
As of 6 June, three local planning authorities have been de-designated by the Secretary of State in respect of applications for planning permission for major development, namely:
· Chorley Council
· St Albans City and District Council
· Uttlesford District Council
Applications for major development can no longer be made directly to PINS, but must now be submitted to the Local Planning Authority in the normal way.
5️⃣ UDC Local Plan Examination
The Uttlesford District Council Local Plan Examination is ongoing, running from 10 – 19 June 2025 (reserve days 20 June and 29 – 31 July 2025).
The examination is live streamed but not recorded. A link can be found on the Council’s website.
If you would like any further details, please get in touch 🍁