Weekly planning news

Prime Minister Commits to ‘Tripling’ Infrastructure Approvals

During a speech at Pinewood Studios on 5 December, Kier Starmer pledged to triple the number of infrastructure approvals compared to the last Conservative government – fast-tracking decisions on ‘at least’ 150 projects. This ambitious goal will be supported by measures outlined in the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which aims to streamline infrastructure processes. 

Starmer went on to describe the current planning system, especially for infrastructure, as a “blockage in our economy that is so big it obscures an entire future.” He further emphasised his government’s commitment to infrastructure development, stating: 
"We will send a very clear message to the nimbies, the regulators, the blockers, the bureaucrats, the alliance of naysayers, the people who say Britain can’t do this, we can’t get things done in our country." 

However, during the same speech, Starmer adjusted Britain’s clean energy targets, retracting the 2030 goal for 100% clean energy in favour of achieving 95% by the same year. He also acknowledged the challenge of meeting Labour’s now infamous 1.5 million new homes target,

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Review of Building Regulations Guidance Announced 

The Deputy Prime Minister has tasked the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) with reviewing how building regulations guidance, known as the Approved Documents (ADs), is produced and communicated. This follows concerns that the current guidance is overly complex and difficult to use. 

Angela Rayner announced the review during a House of Commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, which highlighted the need for clearer guidance. The review aims to simplify the ADs, making them easier to understand, regularly updated, and more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). This initiative follows Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Review, which called for simpler, digital guidance, and the Grenfell Inquiry's call for continuous updates. 

Since April 2023, BSR has taken responsibility for maintaining the ADs. The goal is to improve safety and quality in construction by ensuring the guidance reflects new technologies and practices and is easier to navigate. A review panel will be established in early 2025, with further details to be announced. 

Need building control support? Visit to submit applications or access essential building control guidance to help you navigate the latest regulations and ensure compliance with ease.

Datacentre Approved in Buckinghamshire, Despite Greenbelt Harm

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has approved a 65,000 square meter datacentre in the Home Counties, following an inspector's view that the “substantial” harm to the greenbelt would be outweighed by the “pressing need” for the facility. 

This decision is the latest in a wave of approvals for similar scientific infrastructure, which is being prioritised in alignment with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation (to which we expect a formal response very soon). The consultation explored the re-categorisation of datacentres, alongside other scientific infrastructure such as laboratories, as “nationally significant” – a move that would enable these projects to benefit from a privileged and streamlined planning approval processes. 

Originally, Buckinghamshire Council refused permission, citing that the benefits of the project did not outweigh the harm to the greenbelt. However, the subsequent appeal was recovered for determination by the Secretary of State. The inspector, while acknowledging the “substantial” harm to the greenbelt, disagreed that the benefits did not outweigh the potential harm, recommending approval of the project. The Secretary of State accepted this recommendation and granted approval. 

You can find out more about the approval by visiting Planning Resource¹.

Having provided vital facilitation services for over 50 years, TerraQuest understands the CPO and DCO process for nationally significant infrastructure better than anyone else. Our expert team can assist you in compiling essential processes, both pre-application, during the application, and post-application. From finding and assessing land to conducting site visits and sending notification letters, we are here to support you every step of the way. Visit our website to find out more². 

Pennycock Calls on Councils to Exhaust All Options to Meet Housing Targets

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycock has emphasised the pressure on councils to meet housing targets, stating they must “exhaust all options” to avoid ministerial intervention. 

During a radio appearance on Radio 4, Pennycock said councils should “look to densify on parts of the land that is available, such as brownfield land,” and should also consider reviewing greenbelt land. Additionally, he urged councils to work in cooperation with neighbouring authorities. 

He added: “Where councils need support, we will look to provide it. But where there are, and there will be, genuinely recalcitrant councils that refuse to meet the targets we’re setting, we will use the full ministerial intervention powers at our disposal.” 

You can find out more by visiting Planning Resource³.

1. https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1899295/pennycook-cites-need-allowing-huge-data-centre-despite-substantial-green-belt-harm
2. https://www.terraquest.co.uk/
3. https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1899288/councils-exhaust-options-meet-housing-targets-face-full-ministerial-intervention-says-pennycook