What’s changing and why it matters With ministers signalling tougher action on planning delays, councils that repeatedly have decisions overturned at appeal could face sanctions or even lose determination powers. Whether or not your Local Planning Authority is affected, the direction

Policy shifts, real‑world risk Talk of loosening certain species protections to speed up delivery does not remove developer risk—it changes the nature of it. Communities will still challenge schemes they perceive as harmful, and planning officers will expect applicants to justify

From nice‑to‑have to planning condition Swift and cavity‑nesting bird features are fast becoming standard asks in new housing. Rather than treating them as last‑minute extras, it pays to integrate them at concept stage. That requires a clear view of baseline conditions—where

Central offsets vs local delivery Reforms under discussion may let developers contribute to a central biodiversity fund rather than delivering all habitat compensation locally. That could streamline approvals—but it will also sharpen public scrutiny. Schemes that visibly protect and enhance nature

Divergence creates uncertainty Comparisons with EU environmental rules show the UK moving on a different trajectory in areas like biodiversity, air quality, and chemicals. Whatever your view, the practical reality for developers is more uncertainty and a greater need to evidence

Higher bar for water‑adjacent development New enforcement powers over water utilities are rippling into planning. Schemes near treatment assets, reservoirs, and sensitive catchments are facing more questions about pollution pathways, foul capacity, and surface‑water management. The result: a higher evidence bar

What the fund changes Government support to restore nature and boost planning capacity creates an opportunity for projects that can demonstrate credible environmental uplift. Bids and planning submissions that clearly align with restoration priorities—and back claims with data—will rise to the

Adaptation is now a planning test As national assessments warn that the UK’s adaptation progress is too slow, planning officers are increasingly asking developers to evidence resilience: flood pathways, heat risks, drainage performance, and the durability of materials and landscaping. Submissions

Aligning Projects with the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) The EIP sets national targets across water, air, nature and waste. Planning officers increasingly expect applicants to demonstrate how schemes contribute positively. A structured evidence pack is the simplest way to earn confidence. The

Navigating Regulatory Divergence with Better Evidence As the UK diverges from EU environmental frameworks, developers face shifting expectations on habitats, water, air and chemicals. The best defence against uncertainty is clear, early evidence that anticipates scrutiny. Commission a Phase 1 Desktop Study