Use of artificial intelligence in casework evidence
Guidance on use of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of any appeal, application or examination being dealt with by the Planning Inspectorate.
Applies to England and Wales
The Inspectorate understands that AI can be used to support our work, and that this can be done positively when it is properly and transparently used. Due to the evolving capability and application of AI we will keep this guidance under review.
You may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help prepare information you send to the Planning Inspectorate if you follow this guidance which explains what you should tell us when AI has been used to create or substantially change any part of your submission.
We ask for this information so Inspectors can understand the source and handling of the material they are assessing. This helps them make fair, transparent and well reasoned decisions. The requirements are designed to be simple and not burdensome.
You do not need to tell us about routine tools such as spellchecking, grammar suggestions, formatting tools, or accessibility functions.
A ‘golden rule’ for any use of AI is that you must use AI responsibly. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information generated is accurate and appropriate.
When you need to tell us about AI use
Tell us if you have used AI to:
- draft or substantially rewrite text
- produce a summary or analysis
- generate or alter images or videos
- create content that goes beyond straightforward formatting or presentation
How to provide your declaration
You only need to provide a short statement.
This can be in your covering email, letter or included as part of your statement and/or proof of evidence.
What to include in your statement
Please briefly state:
- That AI was used.
- Which tool you used.
For example, CoPilot, chatGPT, midjourney or another application. - What it was used for and how it was used.
For example, if it was used to draft an objection in general or a specific part of an objection.
For example, if any images or videos have been generated or altered, say which parts have changed. - What checks you made and that you take responsibility for the accuracy of the content.
Professional parties
Professional parties are expected to take responsibility for the accuracy and lawfulness of the material they submit.
If you are a member of a professional body, you should also use AI in line with your professional code of practice. The advice on what to include given above could be incorporated into your endorsement.
Please also see section 15 of the Procedural Guide which relates to general obligations of those giving expert evidence: Procedural Guide: Planning appeals – England - GOV.UK
Interested parties
Interested parties may use AI to help draft or translate their representation. If you do, please include a short statement saying so.
Follow the advice above on what to include in your statement, making sure you are clear about taking responsibility for what you send for example: “I have used AI to help draft this representation. Specifically, I used Microsoft CoPilot to help me draft my comments on the planning policies. I have checked it and I am responsible for what it says.”
Why we ask for this information
Providing a brief statement helps the Inspector understand how the material was produced and assess it fairly.
While AI presents a very useful tool, the results it gives are not always perfect. AI is also capable of creating fake representations or evidence, or other types of fake text and images.
The steps outlined above should help you consider how you have used AI in your submissions. It should also help to mitigate risk of adding additional burden / unnecessary time to the case. This is important as improper use could be at risk of being found as an example of unreasonable behaviour, and open to an award of costs.
By following this guidance, you will help us, our Inspectors, and other people involved to understand the origin, purpose, and accuracy of the information. This will help everyone to interpret it and understand it properly.
Data protection and sensitive information
Do not enter sensitive or personal information into public AI tools. What is personal data? - ICO
Contact
If you need further help with how to provide this information, contact the relevant case team using your case reference.
Any other questions should be directed via our Customer Services Team.
Updates to this page
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To update our existing guidance in line with evolving AI use by our customers and translation added
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First published.