The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way we approach tasks and manage projects across various industries, including the planning sector. Although there are many benefits to using AI in planning processes, such as improved efficiency, enhanced public engagement and overall cost savings, its use must be regulated to ensure accuracy and reliability, uphold privacy and security and comply with ethical standards and legal requirements.
(Source: East Ventures)
What is AI?
AI refers to technology that allows machines to simulate human intelligence. It has progressed from simple decision-making systems to sophisticated tools capable of creating text, images, videos, audio and even computer code. This new wave of AI draws on vast datasets, often sourced from the internet or proprietary databases, to respond to user prompts and generate or enhance content.
In the context of planning, AI has the evolving capability to be used to generate drafts of planning applications, create D&A statements based on input data and even produce site appraisals. However, its application raises important questions about its suitability for more complex or sensitive aspects of the planning process. This blog explores the advantages and challenges of AI in planning and highlights guidance from the Planning Inspectorate on responsible AI use.
The Benefits of AI in Planning Work
Improved Efficiency: AI has the potential to improve efficiency by automating time consuming and repetitive tasks such as data collection, which can be processed at a faster and more accurate rate by AI systems. This allows planners to utilise their time more productively by focusing on strategic, high-value activities.
Enhanced Public Engagement Through Accessibility: AI has the potential to make planning processes, such as neighbourhood planning, more inclusive by translating complex information into formats that are easier for all audiences to understand. This then means that all stakeholders, regardless of expertise, can engage meaningfully in the planning process.
Cost Savings: in using AI to optimise resources, limit errors and overall improve efficiency, it can cut costs in planning processes. This is because it reduces the amount of time spent on manual tasks, leading to financial benefits for stakeholders and organisations alike.
The Limitations of AI in Planning Work
Privacy and Security: AI systems often process sensitive information, which can be easily susceptible to cyberattacks if adequate security is not in place. This means that improper use of personal data in prompts to AI systems can result in data breaches, breaching privacy laws such as GDPR.
Compliance with Ethical Standards and Legal Requirements: AI’s potential is great, but with its capability comes its susceptibility to exploitation. As a result, AI use must comply with ethical standards and legal requirements, such as data protection, intellectual property and privacy. Transparency therefore ensures that AI is used responsibly.
Accuracy and Reliability: Although AI can be useful for more mundane tasks such as data collection and summarising information, in its current state it is not effective for producing whole documents. This is because AI has the potential to generate inaccurate data, misinterpret prompts and even fabricate information. Transparency when using AI is therefore important to ensure that errors are identified and addressed before decisions are made on faulty outputs.
Best Practices for Using AI in Planning Work
The integration of AI into work planning offers significant advantages, but its use must be transparent, ethical and accountable. Adhering to best practices ensures that AI is employed responsibly and that its contributions are clearly understood by all stakeholders. Here are some essential guidelines to follow, as provided by the Planning Inspectorate:
Clearly indicate in your document where AI has been employed to create or modify content, and explicitly mention its use both in the main body and in any external references to the material.
Specify if AI has been utilised to generate or alter any visuals, including images or videos of people, properties, objects or locations.
If AI has modified visual content, detail the specific changes, such as additions, enhancements or removals and identify the elements that have been adjusted (e.g., the inclusion or removal of structures in an image).
Include the date on which the AI was used for the task.
Take full accountability for ensuring the content is factually accurate.
Confirm that the use of AI complies with legal and ethical standards and is conducted responsibly.
Verify and declare that you hold the necessary permissions to share personal or sensitive information and that its use aligns with data protection and copyright regulations.
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At Bluestone Planning we specialise in leveraging cutting-edge tools, including AI when appropriate, to streamline the planning process and help clients navigate complex projects. Whether you're pursuing planning permissions for innovative developments or addressing objections to your proposals, our experienced team provides expert guidance tailored to your needs.
We stay ahead of evolving planning requirements, offering support in areas such as impact assessments, design statements and regulatory compliance. By incorporating advanced technologies responsibly alongside officer expertise, we help you meet challenges head-on and achieve your planning objectives effectively.
For more information on how Bluestone Planning can support your project, reach out to us at +44 1235 766825 or emailing admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk
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