Is Technology the Key to Overcoming Inefficiencies in Construction Planning?

The planning sector in the construction industry has long been marred by inefficiencies, delays, and bureaucracy, which have led to frustration among developers, architects, and investors alike. These inefficiencies, often linked to underinvestment in public sector planning departments, are compounded by the lack of skilled personnel. However, as the digital era progresses, could technology be the answer to resolving these challenges? In a recent podcast featuring Steve Hesmondhalgh, founder of AMS Planning, and an expert on surveying, the conversation explored the state of planning, its challenges, and how technological advancements such as AI, digital planning, and data-driven systems could reshape the future of the industry.

The Current Landscape of Construction Planning?

Steve, who has over 37 years of experience in planning, painted a clear picture of the issues plaguing the sector. He noted that the planning system in the UK has been on a decline for the last 10 to 15 years, mainly due to underinvestment. The consequence? Lengthy delays in processing planning applications, with projects often taking six to twelve months before any decisions are made.

“It's easy to say that's because local government isn't working very well,” Steve remarked. “But more often than not, it's because of the way the system is set up, which builds in huge inefficiencies and huge bureaucracy.” Developers are growing increasingly frustrated as they struggle to navigate this outdated system. According to Steve, the primary issue boils down to delays and the overwhelming amount of bureaucracy involved in the planning process, from preparing applications to waiting for determinations.

Another point of concern is the shrinking pool of public sector planners. “When I left local government, the department I worked in had about seven or eight planners,” Steve shared. “Now, that same department operates with just three planners and handles just as many, if not more, planning applications.” This shortage of skilled personnel is exacerbated by the private sector's ability to lure talent with more attractive packages, leaving public sector planning teams under-resourced and overwhelmed.

A Glimpse into the Future: Digital Planning and AI

Despite the challenges, Steve sees a silver lining in the growing role of technology in the planning sector. The integration of AI and digital planning tools is already showing potential to transform the way applications are handled. Steve shared that AI, when used properly, can help streamline tasks like background research and case law studies, which can be time-consuming when done manually.

“We’ve used AI in the past to do things like case law studies, but you’ve got to be cautious. There’s a tendency for AI to generate results that aren't always accurate. The bottom line is, you need to know your subject,” Steve explained. Planners with the right expertise can use AI tools to significantly reduce the time spent on research and background work, cutting the time needed to compile reports by two-thirds. This time-saving aspect allows planners to focus more on engaging with clients and addressing the bureaucratic delays that often plague the system.

However, Steve also highlighted a caveat: AI alone cannot fix everything. While it is great for streamlining processes, there’s still a need for a personal touch. Many clients value the human aspect of planning, preferring to sit down with experienced professionals who can explain the planning process, rather than relying solely on digital tools. This balance between technology and personal interaction is crucial for maintaining quality in the industry.

Surveying’s Role in Enhancing Planning Efficiency

Surveying, too, is undergoing a digital transformation that could significantly impact the planning process. The advent of tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and digital twins—virtual models of real-world environments—is revolutionizing urban planning. These technologies allow developers and planners to simulate the impact of projects before construction even begins, making it easier to assess potential challenges and outcomes.

“If you look at cities like Barcelona or Singapore, they’ve pioneered the use of AI and digital twins,” Steve mentioned. By using surveying data combined with AI, planners can visualize how developments will impact the surrounding environment, infrastructure, and even social dynamics. The ability to simulate different scenarios before breaking ground offers an unprecedented level of insight and accuracy, reducing the risk of costly changes or delays later on in the process.

The future of urban planning, according to Steve, lies in this kind of data-driven approach. With surveying data now capturing far more than just physical measurements—such as environmental factors and real-time traffic data—the planning process is becoming much more informed and responsive. In the next 12 to 18 months, Steve believes this will become the standard way of handling planning applications, with augmented reality tools allowing planners to visualize changes to the built environment before they happen.

Addressing the Industry's Talent Shortage

While technology offers solutions, it cannot fully compensate for the lack of skilled professionals in the planning and surveying sectors. Both Steve and the surveying expert acknowledged that the industry is struggling to attract and retain talent. As in planning, the surveying field is also facing a significant shortfall of professionals, making it difficult to deliver projects efficiently and on time. This shortage affects the entire construction pipeline, from pre-planning stages to final project approvals.

To address this, Steve believes that investment in public sector planning is crucial. He pointed out that the current government has pledged to deliver 300 new public sector planners, but with over 300 local planning authorities in the UK, that equates to less than one planner per council—far from enough to handle the workload. Steve suggested a more substantial investment to hire two or three planners per council, which would go a long way toward reducing delays and improving overall efficiency in the planning process.

The Power of Early Integration

One of the podcast’s key takeaways was the importance of integrating planning and surveying early in the project lifecycle. Too often, surveying is treated as an afterthought, only addressed once other aspects of the project are underway. The surveying expert noted that when surveying is considered early on, planners and architects can gather the right data to support successful project outcomes. This proactive approach allows all stakeholders to be on the same page from the start, reducing the risk of costly revisions later.

By utilizing AI, augmented reality, and improved data collection, the future of planning and surveying looks promising. These tools allow for more accurate forecasting, better decision-making, and a more streamlined process from start to finish.

Technology as a Catalyst for Change

The planning sector in the construction industry is at a crossroads. While delays, bureaucracy, and talent shortages continue to hinder progress, advancements in technology offer a way forward. AI, digital planning, and data-driven tools like GIS and digital twins have the potential to streamline processes, reduce delays, and improve outcomes for both developers and planners.

However, as Steve pointed out, technology alone is not the answer. A balance must be struck between digital efficiency and human expertise. Clients still value the personal touch that comes with experience, and planners must continue to play a critical role in guiding projects from conception to completion.

As the construction industry embraces this technological shift, the future of planning looks brighter than ever. By integrating these innovations with traditional methods, the sector can overcome its current challenges and create a more efficient, responsive planning system for the future.