Topic: Planning teams respond to rising infrastructure workloads

Planning teams across the UK are adjusting to rising workloads linked to major infrastructure reform. With mandatory pre‑application consultation removed for NSIPs, applications are expected to progress more quickly, increasing pressure on Development Management and policy teams.

Officers are reporting more complex viability discussions, detailed environmental requirements and increased coordination with developers delivering energy and transport projects. Policy teams are also navigating the new housing land supply buffer, which is expected to influence tilted‑balance decisions in affected areas.

Consultancies are expanding support services to help applicants prepare compliant submissions, while councils continue to review internal processes to manage rising caseloads.