AI-powered nimbyism could grind UK planning system to a halt, experts warn
13 days ago
- #AI
- #Planning
- #NIMBYism
- A new AI service called Objector helps residents generate policy-backed objections to planning applications near their homes.
- Objector scans planning applications, ranks objections by impact, and creates AI-generated objection letters, speeches, and videos.
- The service was created by Kent residents who spent hundreds of hours opposing a local development.
- Objector charges £45 per use, aiming to make the planning process fairer for those who can't afford legal help.
- Similar services like Planningobjection.com offer AI-generated objection letters for £99.
- Community campaigners encourage using ChatGPT for objection letters, likening it to having a planning solicitor.
- Planning lawyers warn AI objections could 'supercharge nimbyism' and overwhelm the system with submissions.
- AI-generated objections sometimes include false references to non-existent cases and regulations.
- Objector's co-founder denies the platform automates nimbyism, stating it aims to make the planning system fairer.
- The service currently handles small planning applications but is developing capabilities for larger projects.
- The Labour government promotes AI tools like Extract to speed up planning and build 1.5m new homes.
- Experts warn of an AI 'arms race' where AI is used both to accelerate and block developments.
- The government's AI tool, Consult, analyzes public consultation responses, anticipating increased AI-generated objections.
- Critics argue AI objections undermine public consultation by letting residents oppose developments without genuine local knowledge.