NSW is renowned for having some of the most intricate planning regulations globally, resulting in homeowners facing lengthy waiting periods, often extending over several months or even years, to obtain approvals for renovations. To alleviate these delays, several councils in Sydney are experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) technology aimed at expediting the approval process and promoting the faster delivery of housing.
Take Croydon resident Julie Bernard, for instance; she endured a year-long wait before she could commence her renovation work, which involved adding a new studio at the rear of her home. The drawn-out process not only delayed her project but also incurred additional costs of around $20,000 due to regulatory changes during that time. On average, her local council, Burwood, takes approximately 113 days to approve development applications—aligning with the state government’s target.
However, Burwood’s Mayor, John Faker, has indicated that this timeframe is set to significantly decrease. He noted that planners will no longer need to spend extensive time manually measuring plans, stating, “If you design an application that is within current planning code, you will have approval within an hour.”
A number of councils including Blacktown, Inner West, Bayside, Randwick, Canterbury Bankstown, Cumberland, and Hawkesbury are taking part in a state government initiative, utilising AI to facilitate the early stages of the planning process. This trial focuses on less complicated development applications, such as new builds, renovations, and duplex plans.
Will Sullivan, CEO of Proptrack, explained that their software efficiently processes planning rules by consulting councils’ existing documents, determining compliance swiftly. Although AI will aid in preliminary assessments, a council planner will still need to provide final approval after a public feedback period.
NSW Housing Minister Paul Scully described this technology as an aid to town planners rather than a replacement. Once the trial concludes, each council will determine if they wish to permanently embed AI into their planning processes. Burwood Council is eager to implement this technology on actual development applications within months, reporting that in 99% of cases tested with AI, they did not require further information from the applicants, thus significantly reducing processing time.
Nonetheless, some councils are experiencing difficulties in adapting to the new software. The NSW government has expressed willingness to assist councils, within budget constraints, to embrace this innovative opportunity. Minister Scully emphasised that AI represents a major advancement in productivity enhancements for the planning sector.