Recent changes to the UK planning system are set to reshape the development landscape—and developers need to adapt fast. The government’s new “pro-growth” package, baked into the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, aims to slash approval delays by granting ministers greater powers to intervene when local councils block projects.

Here’s what developers should watch out for:

• Call-in powers & “holding directions” allow central government to pause or override local refusals, potentially clearing projects stuck in limbo.
• Reformed site thresholds may reduce regulatory burdens for smaller and medium developments—opening doors for more flexible planning.
• Nature and Green Belt trade-offs may shift—developers might contribute to a Nature Restoration Fund instead of local compensation, altering how environmental obligations are met.

Implications for feasibility & approval risk:

• Feasibility studies should now include policy risk—projects may be approved under ministerial discretion, but this also raises uncertainty.
• Environmental scope and cost allowances must be revisited. The shift in how biodiversity obligations are delivered can affect budgets and timelines.
• The streamlining potential is real—but only if developers engage early with planning and environment officers to navigate new processes.

In short: developers who proactively factor in planning reform, adjust assumptions, and maintain flexible designs will be best placed to capitalise on these changes.

Let’s talk about how your next project can adapt!