Friday, 14 March 2025
The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of the national planning system, aiming to speed up approvals for major infrastructure and housing projects. Central to this initiative is the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which seeks to reduce the current average approval time of four years for significant developments such as wind farms and power stations. Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook has described the reforms as a “radical evolution” designed to streamline processes, boost economic growth, and address the housing crisis.
A key element of the bill is the simplification of bureaucratic processes, which will remove unnecessary administrative hurdles and improve efficiency in planning applications. The reforms also include limitations on judicial reviews, preventing repeated legal challenges from delaying critical projects. In addition, the introduction of a Nature Restoration Fund aims to balance infrastructure growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring that development aligns with long-term ecological goals. These measures support the government’s ambition to generate most of the UK’s electricity from low-carbon sources by 2030 while also delivering 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
The government is also implementing new strategies to improve the efficiency of local councils in the planning process. Planning officers will be granted greater authority, reducing the reliance on council committees, which often slow decision-making. In addition, mandatory training for councillors involved in planning committees will ensure they make informed and efficient decisions. Another significant measure is the government’s plan to address land banking, a practice where developers hold onto land without proceeding with construction. A “use it or lose it” policy is being considered, which could impose financial penalties or revoke planning permissions for stalled projects, ensuring that housing targets are met.
Environmental considerations are also a crucial aspect of the reforms. Local councils will now be required to review green belt boundaries, particularly areas classified as “grey belt”, which have lower environmental value and could be used for development. This reassessment aims to strike a balance between protecting green spaces and addressing the severe housing shortage. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that while environmental protection is essential, housing development must take priority in some areas to meet the country’s growing demand.
The bill outlines an ambitious strategy for national infrastructure development, with the government pledging to fast-track decisions on 150 major projects within the current parliamentary term. This acceleration is expected to double the approvals compared to the previous administration, particularly in sectors such as transportation, energy, and public services. The Justice Secretary has also announced a push to expand prison capacity by securing sites for new facilities, utilizing existing Crown development legislation to bypass previous bureaucratic delays.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has underscored that these planning reforms are a fundamental part of the government’s economic growth strategy. By making it easier for developers to build, particularly near key transport hubs, the government aims to stimulate investment in housing and infrastructure, improve workforce mobility, and enhance economic competitiveness. This “presumption in favour of building” is expected to create long-term economic benefits, making Britain a more attractive destination for investors.
In summary, the UK’s proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill represents a significant transformation in how major projects are approved. By halving approval times, empowering local authorities, and balancing development with environmental concerns, the government is aiming to create a more efficient, responsive, and forward-thinking planning system. These reforms signal a major shift in the UK’s approach to urban development, paving the way for more streamlined and sustainable growth.
Source: FT and Times
