Dorset Council is helping test a new AI tool aimed at speeding up decisions on home improvement planning applications.
Dorset Council is one of three councils taking part in early testing of a new AI planning prototype.
The tool is designed to help process householder planning applications, such as extensions and loft conversions, more quickly.
The government says it could reduce the average processing time from eight weeks to four.
The prototype is being tested with Dorset, Barnet and Camden councils, and will help triage applications, summarise key information and provide an initial assessment for planning officers.
Officials say final decisions will still be reviewed and approved by qualified planning officers.
A second AI tool, called Extract, is also being made available to all councils in England to help digitise old planning documents and maps.
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