Weekly planning news

Housing and nature: What councils need to know about the new housing secretary’s plans

New Housing Secretary Steven Reed has made clear that he intends to accelerate housing delivery - even if it means confronting opposition.

According to Planning Resource¹, Reed told the BBC’s Nick Robinson:
“You have to take on vested interests in order to deliver the things that you want.”

He pointed to a London redevelopment stalled for years by a single objection, arguing that once a local plan has been democratically agreed, schemes that comply should move forward without delay:

“They [local residents] can say no to the local plan. But once they’ve agreed to the local plan, it’s got democratic consent. If a proposal comes along and it meets the requirements, the community have had their say - so we can go forwards.”

Reed also suggested further streamlining of environmental regulation, highlighting the government’s new Nature Restoration Fund as a way for developers to “more than make up for” immediate environmental impacts.

Another focus will be tackling land-banking, which Reed described as a “very damaging practice” that harms local economies. Research from our Inaugural Planning Application Index² revealed that around one million homes granted planning permission since 2015 remain unbuilt - underlining the scale of the issue.

Reed, who previously served as Environment Secretary, took on the housing brief following Angela Rayner’s resignation earlier this month.

Curious how environmental reforms could transform local planning? Don’t miss our session, Building Our Future: Navigating the Impact of Environmental Legislation, at the National Planning Conference. Tickets are selling fast  - secure yours today!³

Fresh eyes on Planning and Infrastructure - big changes ahead for Local Authorities?

Leading Planning Lawyer Catherine Howard has been appointed as Infrastructure and Planning Adviser to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Her role will support the next phase of planning and infrastructure reforms, aimed at accelerating housing and major projects across the country.

Catherine Howard brings extensive expertise in Development Consent Orders, environmental regulation, and Judicial Reviews for nationally significant infrastructure projects.

According to a press release published on the government’s website⁴, Chancellor Reeves emphasised the government’s commitment to creating the conditions to unlock private investment and deliver an economy that benefits working people. “I am determined we do what it takes to get Britain building,” she said, highlighting efforts to reduce inflation, manage public finances, and drive economic growth.

Howard welcomed the appointment, noting that a robust planning framework and effective decision-making can enable swift progress, while improving the natural environment. She will collaborate with stakeholders to build on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which aims to streamline approvals for major projects and support the government’s Growth Mission.

Curious about the UK’s infrastructure strategy and what it means for future development? Join us for an exclusive panel, Building Community Support for Infrastructure for Sustainable Communities, at the National Planning Conference 2025 - and get the insights you need to stay ahead. Book your tickets today.⁵

Devolution uncertainty: Why local leaders are calling for clarity

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has urged the government to clarify the planning powers outlined in the English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill. Speaking to MPs scrutinising the legislation, Houchen has welcomed the inclusion of new planning powers but expressed concern over long timescales and remaining “grey areas” about the scope of mayoral authority.

“The process will be very slow,” Houchen said, according to the Local Government Chronicle⁶, noting that mayors may not receive the powers until July or August next year. He highlighted uncertainties around which powers can be exercised independently and which require calling in planning applications, while stressing that additional powers could enhance accountability to the public.

Houchen described the bill as a “halfway house” for devolution, calling for a clear government decision on the long-term direction of devolved powers.

“No-one wants to take the strategic decision about that devolution should finally look like,” he said.

Also reported in the Chronicle⁷, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin voiced support for the bill, praising its statutory framework and potential to advance devolution in England.

“We have a country which is so centralised, and if we continue to do what we have always done we will get the same results,” she said. Brabin described the legislation as a “revolution of devolution” and welcomed ministers’ and MPs’ commitment to implementing it.

The debate highlights tension over the pace and scope of devolution, particularly regarding how local leaders can influence planning and infrastructure decisions to drive economic growth.

Interested in learning more about the devolution agenda, and how it’s being implemented? Don’t miss Devolution, regional development and the power of combined authorities at the National Planning Conference 2025. Book your spot today – hurry tickets are selling fact.⁸

1. https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1932418/new-housing-secretary-vows-fight-development-objectors-take-look-land-banking
2. https://www.terraquest.co.uk/news-and-insights/more-than-a-million-homes-with-planning-permission-left-unbuilt-since-2015
3. https://www.rtpi.org.uk/npc
4. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-appoints-infrastructure-and-planning-adviser-to-clear-path-for-new-investments
5. https://www.rtpi.org.uk/npc
6. https://www.lgcplus.com/politics/devolution-and-economic-growth/call-for-clarity-over-devo-bill-planning-powers-17-09-2025/
7. https://www.lgcplus.com/politics/devolution-and-economic-growth/call-for-clarity-over-devo-bill-planning-powers-17-09-2025/
8. https://www.rtpi.org.uk/npc