AI Validator is a cutting-edge solution that transforms the efficiency and accuracy of planning application validations for local authorities. Utilising advanced AI and seamless integration, it automates and accelerates the validation process.

Salford City Council on AI Validator: Real-World Impact and Results

60%
Reduction in validation/registration time seen by one Council

Why AI Validator?

Optimising Planning Validation for greater efficiency and precision.
  • Significantly cuts planning application validation time.
  • Automates repetitive tasks, leading to significant cost savings.
  • Offers a user-friendly interface with advanced analysis tools.
  • Continuously evolves with regular updates and enhancements.

Enhanced Value & Impact

Improve service delivery, scalability, and collaboration while ensuring compliance with the highest standards.
  • Scales to meet the needs of any local authority, supporting environmental sustainability.
  • Hosted on a secure cloud platform.
  • Enhances collaboration with centralised, accurate, and up-to-date information.
  • 24/7 processing: even applications submitted outside office hours will be processed within 15 minutes.

Measure the potential return on investment

This ROI Calculator provides a clear, data-driven way to measure the financial impact and efficiency gains of adopting our AI Planning Validator Solution. By inputting key metrics such as quantity of minor/major applications, documents per application and quantity of resubmissions you can discover the potential cost savings and return on your investment.

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Key Features

Automated Validation

The AI Validator checks applications within 20 minutes of receipt, significantly reducing manual validation time and ensuring compliance with local and national rules.

Intelligent Document Handling

Automatically identifies and categorises documents and drawings, ensuring all necessary documentation is in place and correctly validated.

Seamless Integration

Integrates effortlessly with existing back-office systems and processes applications directly from the Planning Portal, streamlining the validation workflow.

Enhanced Officer Tools

Provides officers with tools like quick compare features, interactive maps, and document thumbnails for efficient analysis and decision-making.

Comprehensive Reporting

Offers detailed PowerBI reports on application types and invalidity reasons, helping councils understand and improve validation processes.

Advanced Document Analysis

Checks for mandatory elements and extracts drawing numbers for easy confirmation of elements and processing into officer and decision reports.

Automated Rule Application

Applies pre-defined rules based on the scope of work and location, making the prediction of validity more accurate and updating application status in real-time.

User Centric Design

Offers a flexible and intuitive interface that can be tailored to meet specific council needs, with regular updates based on user feedback.
"The AI Validator has been transformative in enhancing efficiency and accuracy in processing planning applications."
Anthony Stephenson
Development Manager at Salford City Council

Questions?

Explore some Frequently Asked Questions to find quick answers to the most common queries and get helpful information about the AI Validator.

How does the AI Validator integrate with existing planning systems such as IDOX, Uniform, Agile, or ARCUS?

The AI Validator integrates with IEG4’s APAS planning application system, along with systems from other suppliers such as Idox and Arcus Global. The AI Validator connects to the National Planning Portal via IEG4’s Planning Portal Connector and the other suppliers connect to the AI Validator with their Planning Portal Connectors. This configuration is proven with live customers and in agreement with the other suppliers.

Does the AI Validator check for GIS constraints and planning requirements?

The AI Validator effectively applies validation rules based on automated GIS constraint checks. Additionally, the system carries out a range of planning requirement checks, ensuring compliance with various national and local policies.

How does the AI Validator handle invalid applications and interact with applicants?

The AI Validator identifies missing mandatory documents based on predefined requirements, though councils may have additional mandatory checks not yet covered by the system. As the MHCLG’s new planning application submission specification evolves, the Validator will be able to support more comprehensive checks. The system can notify applicants of validation outcomes via an initial email, but it does not send direct notifications to case officers. Instead, it presents detailed application insights in the portal’s user interface and generates reports for the back-office system. The AI Validator does not automate follow-ups beyond the initial notification, as councils typically prefer to manage ongoing correspondence to ensure applicants receive official validation/invalidation letters.

Is the AI Validator cloud-based, and what deployment options are available?

Yes, the AI Validator is a cloud-based solution, ensuring accessibility, scalability, and ease of deployment. Configuration options can be tailored to each council’s needs.