Weekly planning news

New Government Funding to Support Local Plan Delivery

The government has announced new funding to assist local authorities at the Regulation 18 stage of local plan development. This follows the funding allocated in December 2024 for authorities with plans at the Regulation 19 stage.

This additional funding acknowledges that some local authorities are still at the earlier Regulation 18 stage of the local plan-making process and would benefit from support. It will help them complete the necessary work to align with the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and prepare their plans for examination by December 2026.

Eligible local authorities can apply for a share of this funding by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 28 February 2025.

At Planning Portal, we remain committed to supporting local authorities in streamlining the planning process and adapting to policy changes efficiently.

For further details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the official government website.¹

Foundations for environmentally sustainable AI: The role of planning 

The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) has published Foundations for Environmentally Sustainable A²I, a report outlining key actions to minimise the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI Growth Zones and digital infrastructure developments expand, the planning system must ensure these projects are sustainable. 

At Planning Portal, we recognise the growing role of AI in shaping our built environment. The increasing demand for data centres, essential for AI operations, raises significant planning challenges. These facilities require substantial amounts of land, energy, and water, placing pressure on local resources. Without clear planning policies, this rapid expansion could disrupt infrastructure capacity, strain renewable energy supplies, and hinder net-zero ambitions. 

The report outlines five key steps towards more sustainable AI, including: 

• Expanding environmental reporting mandates – ensuring transparency on resource use. 
• Setting sustainability requirements for data centres – reducing energy and water consumption through planning regulations. 
• Embedding environmental responsibility in AI investment – ensuring government-led projects align with sustainability goals. 

Planning Portal plays a crucial role in supporting the planning system as it navigates these emerging challenges. As digital infrastructure projects increase, planners will need robust policies to balance technological progress with environmental sustainability. Effective planning will be essential to shaping a future where AI development supports both innovation and local communities. 

You can read the full report on the NEPC website.³

 100 sites bought forward for consideration for labour’s ‘new towns’

Government have announced they’ve received over 100 site suggestion for their ‘new towns’ project, which according to an article published on gov.uk will help facilitate ‘the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.’

The gov.uk article states that new towns will be ‘well-designed, beautiful communities with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools and public transport where people will want to live.’. 

They’ve set out clear principles for the next generation of new towns, including delivery of affordable housing, vital infrastructure and open green spaces.

You can read more on the government website.⁴

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-funding-to-support-local-authorities-with-the-costs-of-local-plan-delivery
2. https://nepc.raeng.org.uk/sustainable-ai
3. https://nepc.raeng.org.uk/sustainable-ai
4. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-unveils-plans-for-next-generation-of-new-towns