Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Gov.UK Housing. Read the original article for full details.
Lewisham Council Uses AI to Map Small Sites for Housing Delivery
Lewisham Council has identified over 3,000 small sites with potential for housing delivery using an artificial intelligence-based mapping tool. The initiative was part of a PropTech Innovation Fund pilot and aimed to improve the identification and assessment of small sites across the borough.
The council collaborated with RCKa to develop the Small Sites AI Finder, an interactive online map that uses AI and GIS data to analyse land parcels. The tool was designed to identify common types of small sites, such as infill, backland, and side-street locations, and to estimate their potential housing capacity. The AI model was trained using examples of typical small site shapes and sizes within freehold boundaries, and Ordnance Survey GIS mapping data was used to enhance accuracy.
The pilot identified an estimated 3,017 small sites with development potential, with a total estimated capacity of 9,747 homes. Mapping these sites provided the council with a clearer understanding of where opportunities are concentrated and which types of small sites are most prevalent. This information is intended to inform future policy work and engagement with landowners and developers.
Lewisham Council also analysed planning application data to assess the impact of its Small Sites Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The analysis compared application volumes, approval, refusal, and withdrawal rates, as well as the time taken to determine applications before and after the guide's adoption. The results showed a small increase in both approval and refusal rates following the adoption of the SPD.
For letting agents and inventory clerks, the identification of thousands of new small sites with housing potential in Lewisham may signal future opportunities for property management, lettings, and inventory services as these sites are brought forward for development.
Source: Gov.UK Housing