Hey there! If you’re curious about how technology is shaping the future of housing, you’re in for a treat. The Forest of Dean district councillors are diving into something quite innovative—using artificial intelligence to figure out the best spots for building 5,400 homes by 2041. It’s a big task, especially with the government nudging them to hit a target of 597 homes a year, which is nearly double what they used to aim for.
Adrian Birch, the council leader, is spearheading this project. He’s keen on seeing if AI can speed up the decision-making process. As he put it, “If we can trust the AI to get it right, then we’ll look at whether that’s a feasible option.” It’s an exciting prospect, isn’t it? Originally, the plan was to develop 6,600 homes from 2021 to 2041, but the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has upped the ante to 12,000 homes.
While the first 6,600 homes already have planned locations in areas like Lydney, Beachley, and Newent, finding spots for the rest has brought back some old ideas. There’s talk of a potential garden town near Churcham and a settlement near Redmarley. To help with this, an AI company is analyzing public feedback from a recent consultation. Their insights will be compared with what the council has found.
The council’s decision to reassess their local plan shows they’re committed to exploring all possible strategies to meet housing demands. It’s all about making informed choices, and they’re being thorough about it. By blending technology with traditional planning, they hope to find the best path forward.
This approach could set a precedent for how other regions tackle similar challenges. It’s a fascinating intersection of technology and urban planning, and it’ll be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
