Google says its Gemini-based PlanAssist reduced assessment time for householder planning applications by 58% in a pilot with three English councils. More than 70% of reports reportedly needed no edits, and 12 additional councils will bring participation to 15. The figure is not a reduction in total permitting time or residents’ overall wait. Planning officers retain final decision-making authority, with a 12-month beta informing potential wider rollout in England in 2027.