AI Validator

AI Validator automates repetitive validation checks, highlights missing requirements, and works with your existing back-office system, while keeping officers in control with a transparent checklist and audit trail.

Developed with councils since 2020 through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Exeter, and proven in live use across UK councils.

Up to 60% faster validation

Used by 20+ councils

4+ years in live use

2025 LGC Awards finalist

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

60%

Reduction in validation/registration time seen by one Council

Why councils choose AI Validator

A proven way to make planning validation faster, more consistent, and easier to manage.

Reduces time spent on repetitive manual checks.
Highlights missing requirements clearly and consistently.
Works with your existing back-office system.
Adapts to local validation rules and workflows.
Continuously evolves with regular updates and enhancements.

Built for operational impact

Designed to help planning teams increase capacity, improve turnaround, and strengthen control.

Scales across authorities of different sizes and structures.
Keeps validation information accurate, centralised, and easy to review.
Hosted on a secure cloud platform.
Improves service delivery for officers, applicants, and agents.
Supports fast processing, including applications submitted outside office hours

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.

ROI Calculator

Digital Planning Directory

We’re excited to announce that you can now find us on the Digital Planning Directory. This platform is designed to help you discover leading digital planning tools and services. Check out our listing to learn more about how our solutions can support your planning goals, streamline processes, and drive better outcomes for your organisation.

Digital Planning Directory

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

View Enhanced Planning Application Management Through Digital Integration and AI

Case Studies

Salford City Council

Enhanced Planning Application Management Through Digital Integration and AI

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.