Weekly planning news

AI Tools are assisting local planning objectors

Generative AI tools are increasingly being used by local residents to help compile objections to planning applications. These tools can scan planning documents, identify potential breaches of policy, and generate objection letters, speeches and even videos for presentation at planning committees.

Platforms users “policy-backed objections in minutes” for a fee. They are designed to help people navigate complex planning rules and make their voices heard without relying on professional legal support. 

According to the Guardian¹, some community campaigners have also encouraged the use of tools like ChatGPT to draft objection letters, describing it as “like having a planning solicitor at your fingertips.” Proponents argue that this technology makes the system fairer and more accessible to those without specialist expertise.

However, experts have warned of potential risks. Some AI-generated objections have reportedly included references to case law and appeal decisions that do not exist - a result of so-called “hallucinations” in large language models. Planning lawyers caution that inaccuracies could lead to confusion or decisions being made on incorrect information.

Planning reform and environmental balance under the spotlight

A recent national newspaper report has claimed ecologists have been ‘excluded’ from key conversations with government ahead of planning changes. The Guardian article highlights growing debate around the government’s new Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

According to the piece², developers have been closely engaged with ministers throughout the bill’s development, while professional ecological bodies say they have struggled to gain direct access to decision-makers. 

Environmental groups have voiced concerns that nature protections could be weakened under the proposed reforms, though a late amendment in the House of Lords seeks to safeguard key species and habitats. 

Supporters of this amendment, including members of the House of Lords and ecology organisations, argue it offers a “win-win” by helping to unblock housing delivery while ensuring vital environmental safeguards remain in place. However, the government maintains that its planned reforms will “remove barriers to building vital new homes” while still achieving “a win-win for the economy and nature.”

The final version of the bill is due to return to the Commons shortly for approval, with ongoing discussion about how best to balance environmental protection and the urgent need for new housing.

Parliament report calls for rethink of infrastructure delivery

A new parliamentary report warns that “systemic failures” in how the UK delivers major infrastructure projects could derail the Government’s ambitions for growth and innovation.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Project Delivery (APPGPD) has published Building a Better Future: Inquiry into Improving the Delivery of National Infrastructure Projects³, calling for a radical shift in how projects are planned, managed, and protected from short-term political pressures.

The report highlights a persistent “valley of death” between policy and delivery - where ambition is lost to bureaucracy, political churn, and skill shortages - leading to delays, overspending, and waning public trust. Chair Henry Tufnell MP warned that unless the Government “fixes the foundations of our shaky delivery system,” the UK risks wasting billions in taxpayer and private investment.

Key recommendations include:
• Embedding long-term delivery discipline through a 10-year infrastructure plan and empowering NISTA to oversee projects from policy to completion.
• Making project management training mandatory for senior civil servants and appointing Chief Project Officers in every department.
• Establishing a National Infrastructure Delivery Skills Roadmap to build a sustained talent pipeline.
• Strengthening public-private collaboration and reforming procurement to prioritise early supplier involvement and expertise.
• Requiring major projects to publish clear Public Value Statements to improve transparency and public confidence.

The APPGPD urges ministers to adopt these measures to “clear the path to building a better future” and restore faith in the UK’s ability to deliver world-class infrastructure on time and within budget.

1. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/nov/09/ai-powered-nimbyism-could-grind-uk-planning-system-to-a-halt-experts-warn
2. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/nov/09/developers-met-ministers-dozens-of-times-over-planning-bill-while-ecologists-were-shut-out
3. https://www.appgprojectdelivery.org/news-and-updates/parliamentarians-launch-new-report-calling-for-a-radical-shift-in-governments-approach-to-infrastructure-delivery