PLANNING INSPECTORATE PUBLISHES GUIDANCE ON AI USE IN APPEALS EVIDENCE

The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance requiring people to declare when artificial intelligence has been used to create or substantially change evidence submitted as part of planning appeals, applications or examinations. According to the guidance, the Inspectorate recognises that AI can support casework positively when it is used properly and transparently. Anyone submitting material may use AI tools to help prepare it, provided they follow the disclosure requirements the Inspectorate has set out. The guidance states that Inspectors need this information to understand the source and handling of material they are assessing. This is intended to help them reach decisions the Inspectorate describes as fair, transparent and well reasoned. The Inspectorate says the requirements have been designed to be simple and not burdensome.

Under the guidance, a "golden rule" applies: anyone using AI must do so responsibly, and remains responsible for ensuring the accuracy and appropriateness of the content produced. People need only provide a short statement, which can appear in a covering email or letter, or as part of a submitted statement or proof of evidence. The declaration should explain what the AI was used for and how, such as whether it helped draft an objection generally or a specific section, referenced by paragraph number, section or appendix. Where images or videos have been generated or altered using AI, submitters must specify which parts were affected and how, the guidance says. Declarations should also set out what checks were carried out and confirm the submitter takes responsibility for accuracy. Routine tools such as spellcheckers, grammar suggestions, formatting tools and accessibility functions do not need to be declared, according to the guidance.

The Inspectorate says AI is increasingly built into everyday software, meaning users often cannot tell when such features are operating, citing AI-assisted spelling and grammar checks as an example of this. It states the guidance will be kept under review to reflect the evolving capability and application of AI. No timetable for further changes has been set out. The disclosure requirements apply across the full range of casework the Inspectorate handles, covering appeals, applications and examinations submitted to it.