Planning system reform: Infrastructure, investment, and sustainability

There have been developments in the UK government’s initiative to reform the planning system, which aims to accelerate development, enhance infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability. These changes are expected to increase investment in the real estate sector by streamlining the planning process and making it easier for new developments to be approved.

As our published Space exploration report highlights, how quickly we adapt and change our existing built environment to meet the modern requirements is vital in not only revitalising town high streets but the overall standard of our buildings. Unlocking the planning process is key to that adaptation.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill

A key part of this reform is the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which introduces a range of measures that aim to facilitate faster development, improve infrastructure, and support environmental recovery while ensuring local communities are involved in the planning process. The bill aims to implement several important measures that aim to improve the planning system.

• Planning fees: Local planning authorities will be permitted to set their fees to ensure they can recover full costs.
• Planning committees: Mandatory training for committee members and a national scheme of delegation for planning decisions will help standardise decision-making across the country.
• Spatial Development Strategies (SDS): Combined authorities will be required to prepare SDSs to guide strategic planning and regional growth.
• Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP): The bill streamlines the consenting process, mandates updates to national policy statements every five years, and limits judicial review opportunities to reduce delays.

Nature Restoration Fund (NRF)

In addition, there is a plan to balance development with environmental sustainability. A new NRF will enable Natural England (or another designated delivery body) to bring forward Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs). These plans will set out the strategic actions to be taken to address the ecological impact that development has on protected sites or species, ensuring that new projects contribute meaningfully to nature recovery and biodiversity enhancement.

Revitalising the high street

A notable focus of the planning reform has been the shift towards repurposing, in particular the repurposing of underused high street retail units. Historically, these projects have faced significant barriers due to complicated, time-consuming planning processes and procedures. The new bill could allow for a more streamlined and expedited process, resulting in faster approvals of projects. This would make it easier for developers to transform vacant retail spaces that would revitalise town centres and potentially attract more investment to the UK high street.

Looking ahead

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill represents a positive step towards a more agile, responsive, and sustainable planning system. By reducing red tape, empowering local authorities, and embedding environmental considerations into the heart of development, it is expected that this bill will draw investment to the UK as real estate projects, including new homes and critical infrastructure, are able to be delivered efficiently and sustainably. 

While the full impact of these reforms will take time to assess, the direction is clear: a planning system that is better equipped to meet the current challenges associated with delivering homes, infrastructure, and green spaces that benefit communities across the UK.

For more insights or to discuss how we can support your business, contact Caroline Fleet or your usual Crowe contact.