UK Planning Reforms 2025: Key Changes and How to Prepare
Over the coming days, the UK Government is expeted to implement significant reforms to planning and infrastructure laws in England, aiming to accelerate development, stimulate economic growth, and address the housing crisis. These changes, encapsulated in the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, will have significant implications for developers, local authorities, and communities. This article provides an overview of the anticipated reforms and offers guidance on how stakeholders can prepare for their implementation.
Empowering local authorities: enhanced compulsory purchase powers
One of the cornerstone reforms is the enhancement of compulsory purchase powers for councils and mayors in England. The new legislation will eliminate the need for central government approval for compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), streamlining the process for local authorities to acquire land for affordable housing and infrastructure projects. Additionally, the requirement to consider a property’s “hope value”—the potential for future development—will be removed, allowing land to be acquired at existing use value. This change is expected to reduce costs and expedite the development of homes, schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure, thereby promoting regeneration in local areas.
Streamlining planning processes: reducing bureaucratic hurdles
To expedite development, the government plans to overhaul the statutory consultee system. Currently, over 25 organisations are legally required to provide input on planning decisions, often leading to delays. The proposed reforms aim to limit the scope of statutory consultees to focus on heritage, safety, and environmental protection, removing certain bodies such as Sport England, Theatres Trust, and The Gardens Trust from the mandatory consultation process. This streamlining reduces delays and uncertainty in planning proposals, facilitating a more efficient building process.
Accelerating major infrastructure projects: reforming the NSIP regime
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to halve the approval time for major infrastructure projects, including wind farms and power stations, reducing the process from four years to less than two. This will involve simplifying application procedures, minimizing bureaucratic delays, and restricting multiple judicial reviews. A “nature restoration fund” will also be introduced to offset environmental impacts. These measures are part of the government’s broader strategy to address the housing crisis by constructing 1.5 million new homes and ensuring that electricity is sourced predominantly from low-carbon sources by 2030.
Incentivising communities: compensation for proximity to infrastructure
To mitigate opposition to renewable energy infrastructure, the government proposes offering households living near new or upgraded power pylons a discount of £250 annually on their energy bills, amounting to up to £2,500 over ten years. This initiative aims to reduce resistance to the expansion of energy infrastructure necessary for the transition to renewable energy and to achieve the government’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2030.
Limiting legal challenges: streamlining judicial reviews
The government plans to reduce opportunities for legal challenges against significant infrastructure projects. High court judges will be granted new powers to dismiss judicial reviews deemed “totally without merit,” preventing them from proceeding to appeal. This measure aims to streamline judicial reviews for nationally significant projects while preserving access to justice for genuine cases, accelerating project timelines and reducing costs.
Delegating planning decisions: reducing political delays
To accelerate development, the government intends to curtail councillors’ powers to block the majority of building schemes. Under the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, only the largest and most contentious projects will require councillor approval, potentially creating tens of thousands more homes and reducing political delays. This reform aims to streamline approvals by delegating more decisions to planning officers, reducing uncertainties for developers and expediting the building process.
Preparing for the changes: steps for stakeholders
Given the breadth and depth of the proposed reforms, stakeholders should consider the following steps to prepare:
- Stay informed: Regularly monitor updates from official government sources and reputable news outlets to stay abreast of the latest developments in planning and infrastructure laws.
- Engage with local authorities: Developers and community groups should engage proactively with local councils to understand how the new powers and processes will be implemented at a local level.
- Review planning strategies: Assess current and future projects in light of the anticipated reforms. Identify opportunities to expedite developments or adjust plans to align with the new regulatory environment.
- Consult legal experts: Seek guidance from legal professionals specializing in planning and infrastructure law to navigate the complexities of the new legislation and to ensure compliance.
- Participate in consultations: Engage in public consultations to voice opinions and concerns about the proposed changes. This participation can influence the final shape of the reforms and ensure that diverse perspectives are considered.
Conclusion: embracing the future of planning and infrastructure
The upcoming changes to England’s planning and infrastructure laws represent a significant shift towards accelerating development and stimulating economic growth. While these reforms aim to address longstanding challenges in the housing and infrastructure sectors, they also introduce new dynamics that stakeholders must navigate. By staying informed, engaging proactively, and seeking expert guidance, developers, local authorities, and communities can adapt to the evolving landscape and capitalize on the opportunities presented by these reforms.
Navigating the forthcoming planning and infrastructure reforms requires expert insight and strategic guidance. At Geldards, our Planning and Infrastructure team is here to assist you in understanding and adapting to these changes. Whether you are a developer seeking to expedite projects, a local authority aiming to implement new powers effectively, or a community group interested in understanding the implications, our team offers tailored support to meet your needs.