New technology will enable faster flood planning decisions
- Dec 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Cutting-edge technology is being trialled to enable better and faster planning decisions in relation to flood risk in the county.
A project is underway within the County Council after it was awarded over £725,000 in Government funding to carry out pioneering research into how AI can support faster and better planning decisions relating to flood risk on a national scale.
The money came from the UK Government’s Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) which funds regulators and local authorities to trial new and innovative regulatory approaches enabling businesses to bring innovative products to the market quicker.
Nick Watson, Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Manager with the County Council explained: “As a Council we review thousands of planning applications each year, many requiring detailed Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) and drainage strategies to ensure developments remain safe and resilient.
“While these assessments are vital for protecting communities, they can be complex and time-consuming to produce and review.
“This project will test how artificial intelligence can help officers and developers. By using AI tools to help review FRAs more efficiently and support developers in producing higher-quality submissions, the initiative aims to speed up planning decisions without compromising safety.
“Importantly, every decision will continue to be overseen by human experts.”
The aim is to develop a practical governance framework for using AI responsibly in reviewing Flood Risk Assessments, which will be shared with other authorities.
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural, said: “This is an exciting step forward and one of many advanced developments we’re working on at the Council.
“This will help local authorities across the country reduce delays, support sustainable growth, and accelerate the delivery of new homes, while maintaining robust flood risk standards.
“By embracing innovation responsibly, we’re ensuring we remain at the forefront of modern, efficient delivery while continuing to protect our communities from flood risk.”
Science and Technology Secretary of State Liz Kendall said: “Every day across the country new products are being invented that have the potential to transform lives and revolutionise public services.
“But all too often, we are held back from taking advantage of them by red tape that simply hasn’t kept pace with the scientific and technological advances.
“That’s why we’re backing our regulators to work together with industry, to make the rules fit for purpose, and unlock breakthroughs that will deliver national renewal by driving our economy forwards faster, easier, and safely.”
