Significant overhaul of the UK's planning system planned
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Key Changes and Implications
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, introduced to Parliament on 11 March 2025, marks a significant reform of the UK's planning system. Aimed at addressing housing shortages, accelerating infrastructure development, and supporting environmental goals, the Bill proposes a range of changes to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance efficiency. Below is a summary of the key provisions and their potential impact.
Overall Objectives
Tackle delays and inefficiencies in housing and infrastructure planning.
Support the government’s goal of 1.5 million new homes and 150 fast-tracked economic infrastructure projects.
Promote clean energy through faster approval of renewable energy projects.
Reduce planning costs while ensuring economic growth.
Balance efficiency with local accountability and environmental protections.
Key Provisions
1. Infrastructure Reforms
National Policy Statements (NPSs) Updates: Mandatory five-year reviews with faster amendment processes.
Faster NSIP Consents: Streamlined application and consultation processes to reduce delays.
Alternative Consenting Routes: Secretary of State can redirect some developments to Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Judicial Review Changes: Removal of paper permission stage and limits on meritless appeals.
Transport Reforms: Modernisation of Highways Act 1980, streamlining of Transport and Works Act 1992, and revised Harbour Orders.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: Simpler licensing processes for EV infrastructure.
Grid Connection Reform: Shift to ‘first ready, first connected’ model to reduce bottlenecks.
2. Planning System Overhaul
Delegation of Planning Decisions: More decisions delegated to planning officers for efficiency.
Localised Planning Fees: Local planning authorities (LPAs) can set fees up to cost recovery levels.
Enhanced LPA Training: Mandatory training for planning officers with certification requirements.
Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs): New strategic framework for combined authorities and upper-tier councils.
Alignment with National Objectives: Stronger links between local and national planning targets.
3. Development and Nature Recovery
Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs): Conservation measures tied to planning approvals.
Nature Restoration Levy: Developers to pay into a Nature Restoration Fund, managed by Natural England.
Expanded Natural England Powers: Authority to compulsorily acquire land for conservation projects.
4. Development Corporations
Greater Flexibility: Expanded operational scope and clearer objectives.
Infrastructure Expansion: More transport, heat networks, and sustainable development provisions.
Local Transport Cooperation: New duty for local transport authorities to collaborate with development corporations.
5. Compulsory Purchase Reform
Electronic Notifications: Faster communication of statutory notices.
Hope Value Removal: Limits on speculative land valuation to control development costs.
Faster Land Vesting: Streamlined process to accelerate project commencements.
Delegation of Inspector Roles: Quicker resolution of disputes via expanded inspector powers.
Potential Impact and Challenges
Benefits
Faster housing delivery to combat affordability crises.
Reduced planning bottlenecks for infrastructure and clean energy projects.
Improved local authority funding through cost recovery mechanisms.
Strategic alignment of housing, transport, and environmental policies.
Concerns
Weakened local input due to streamlined decision-making.
Risk to environmental scrutiny from reduced consultation.
Increased planning fees potentially burdening smaller developers.
Conclusion
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill presents ambitious reforms to modernise the UK’s planning framework. While it promises efficiency, cost savings, and strategic growth, it raises concerns about local democratic oversight and environmental protection. Stakeholders should closely monitor its progression and prepare for its wide-ranging impacts on development, infrastructure, and environmental policy.