AI May Assist in Selecting Locations for 5,400 New Homes.

Artificial intelligence is being tested to assist district councillors in determining where to build 5,400 additional homes by 2041.

The Forest of Dean District Council is under government pressure to construct 597 homes annually—a target raised from 330 per year in mid-2024.

Council leader Adrian Birch said an AI firm was commissioned to explore whether the technology could be dependable for this task.

He told a council meeting that if the AI proves accurate, they would consider it a viable solution to help speed up decision-making. The council had originally planned to develop 6,600 homes between 2021 and 2041, but new mandatory targets from the Ministry of Housing increased the requirement by 5,400, bringing the total to 12,000 homes by 2041.

Many of the 6,600 homes have already been allocated, mostly in Lydney, Beachley, and Newent.

Finding space for the remaining 5,400 homes has led to reconsidering past proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. These include a garden town between the A40 and A48 near Churcham and a new settlement near junction 2 of the M50 close to Redmarley.

Mr Birch said the AI system is being trialled to check if it delivers the necessary data and insights.

The AI firm is also analyzing public feedback from the council’s local plan consultation held last summer. Birch noted that the council would compare its findings with the AI’s results and reassess the tool’s use if concerns arise.

The council unanimously agreed to review its 2021–2041 housing strategy and examine new strategic alternatives.