The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: What It Means for Local Planning
The UK Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill represents one of the most significant shifts in planning policy in recent years. Aimed at accelerating housing delivery, improving infrastructure approvals, and reducing red tape, the Bill is designed to unlock stalled developments and empower local authorities with greater control.At Mark Doodes Planning, we’ve analysed the proposed legislation to help developers, landowners, and planning professionals understand what’s coming—and how to prepare.
What Is the Planning and Infrastructure Bill?
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill was announced as part of the 2023 King’s Speech, with legislation expected in 2024–25. Its main objectives are to:
Why Is This Bill Important?
Right now, the UK planning system is under pressure:
The UK Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill represents one of the most significant shifts in planning policy in recent years. Aimed at accelerating housing delivery, improving infrastructure approvals, and reducing red tape, the Bill is designed to unlock stalled developments and empower local authorities with greater control.At Mark Doodes Planning, we’ve analysed the proposed legislation to help developers, landowners, and planning professionals understand what’s coming—and how to prepare.
What Is the Planning and Infrastructure Bill?
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill was announced as part of the 2023 King’s Speech, with legislation expected in 2024–25. Its main objectives are to:
- Streamline planning procedures
- Speed up housing and infrastructure delivery
- Enable local councils to set their own planning application fees
- Introduce Spatial Development Strategies in place of the Duty to Cooperate
- Reform compulsory purchase and site assembly powers
Why Is This Bill Important?
Right now, the UK planning system is under pressure:
- There’s an estimated £362 million funding gap in planning departments (RTPI)
- Local authorities face severe delays in application processing
- Housing targets are routinely missed due to bureaucratic and resource constraints
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Key Area
Funding Local Planning Services Planning Decision-Making Strategic Planning Coordination |
Current Issues
Nationally set application fees often don't cover service costs, creating a £362m funding gap. Committees vary in how they operate; inconsistent training and political influence can delay decisions. Weak regional coordination. Local plans are often fragmented, ignoring cross-boundary issues. |
Proposed Changes (Bill)
LPAs to set their own fees, with the income dedicated to specifically supporting planning services. Secretary of State can intervene if fees are excessive. National rules to clarify what's decided by officer's vs committees. Training for committee members. Committee size restrictions. Introduction of Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs) at a regional level (by councils or new planning boards). |
Potential Impact
More tailored local funding, but possible fee variation across regions. Greater accountability and better-resourced planning teams. More consistent and timely decision-making. Less political interference at local level to avoid significant delays and expenses caused by local opposition. Stronger regional strategies, enabling joined up thinking for transport, housing, and infrastructure. More coherent planning outcomes. |
How can Mark Doodes Planning Help?
We stay ahead of evolving legislation to provide our clients with practical, commercially-focused advice.
Whether you’re promoting land for development, seeking planning permission for a large site, or preparing for infrastructure projects, we can help you:
📞 Speak to a Chartered Town PlannerAs Chartered Planning Consultants (MRTPI), we offer expert advice tailored to your project, region, and goals.
📩 Contact us today to discuss your scheme and how the Planning and Infrastructure Bill may impact you:
📧 [email protected]
📞 Call: 01865 600 555
Contact Us if you would like to get in touch to discuss your project or ideas
We stay ahead of evolving legislation to provide our clients with practical, commercially-focused advice.
Whether you’re promoting land for development, seeking planning permission for a large site, or preparing for infrastructure projects, we can help you:
- Navigate new local and national planning policy
- Assess how the Bill affects your portfolio or site
- Respond to emerging plan-making frameworks (e.g. SDS)
- Prepare proactive representations to Local Plans
📞 Speak to a Chartered Town PlannerAs Chartered Planning Consultants (MRTPI), we offer expert advice tailored to your project, region, and goals.
📩 Contact us today to discuss your scheme and how the Planning and Infrastructure Bill may impact you:
📧 [email protected]
📞 Call: 01865 600 555
Contact Us if you would like to get in touch to discuss your project or ideas