The Planning Portal Application Index

We are excited to introduce the Planning Portal Application Index, a comprehensive resource offering in-depth industry insights. Leveraging data from the Planning Portal and expertly curated by TerraQuest, this index provides a thorough analysis of early market indicators impacting the built environment.

This release marks the first in a series of quarterly reports from TerraQuest. Discover more.¹

Election 2024: Commitments on the Built Environment

As the general election approaches, planning and building are becoming key discussion points. With polling day near, it’s important for professionals in the sector to understand the political landscape regarding the built environment.

Planning Portal has reviewed the manifestos of the three main parties to present a straightforward and comprehensive summary of their pledges. We've distilled the key points into clear explanations, ensuring you stay informed about the ongoing debate and can make an educated choice on 4 July.

You can see the full article on our architectural bulletins.²

Landmark Supreme Court ruling on fossil fuel extraction

The Planner have reported that the Supreme Court overturned a decision made by Surrey County Council to grant permission for new hydrocarbon wells at Horse Hill. Setting a major precedent for fossil fuel extraction and the role of environmental impact assessments (EIA).

Weald Action Group began the legal action against the grant of planning permission, claiming Scope 3 emissions, those downstream from the extraction, such as the refinement and combustion of oil, should be considered in the EIA.

The High Court ruled that the EIA should only address direct environmental impacts, this was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court took a different view on the matter, stating “the council was therefore wrong, in our view, to confine the scope of the assessment, in this case, to direct releases of greenhouse gases that would occur at the project site.”

The judgement has repercussions throughout the sector, with environmental groups rejoicing at the outcome. Sarah Finch, on behalf of Weald Action Group, stated “this is a welcome step towards a safer, fairer future.”

The extent to which the decision will impact wider industry is yet to be clear. It is likely to affect other fossil extraction cases and could potentially reach further into other high pollution projects.

You can read more about the judgement by visiting The Planner.³

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/professional-portal/planning-market-insight-index
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/architectural-bulletins/election-2024-what-s-been-pledged-on-the-built-environment
3. https://www.theplanner.co.uk/2024/06/20/horse-hill-fossil-fuel-consent-quashed-landmark-supreme-court-judgement