Infrastructure & Major Projects Briefing – Wednesday

July 22, 2026

Fastest infrastructure acceleration in a generation

Major infrastructure reforms continue to reshape the planning system.

• NSIP pre‑application consultation removed Mandatory pre‑application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects is being scrapped, cutting up to 12 months from project timelines and saving industry around £1bn.

• Early technical support now standard Over 80 prospective applicants have already used the Planning Inspectorate’s early‑advice service, improving clarity and reducing examination delays.

• Government targeting 150 major decisions this Parliament This is nearly triple the previous period. 41 decisions have already been made since the new government took office.

• 82,000 jobs linked to approved projects Clean energy, transport, water and utilities schemes continue to expand, with significant implications for planners in infrastructure strategy, environmental planning and major projects.

Sector impact Expect faster examinations, clearer timetables and increased demand for planners in energy, transport, water, utilities and environmental infrastructure.

Recent Blogs

  • Newsletter Article
    Strategic Planning Teams Preparing for Major Infrastructure Consultations Strategic Planning teams are preparing for a series of major infrastructure consultations scheduled for autumn, including transport
  • Advertising & Recruitment Update
    Local Plan Activity Driving Demand for Policy Specialists Local Plan activity remains high across England, with several authorities progressing through Regulation 18 and 19 stages
  • Rolling Weekly Digest
    Heritage Enforcement Complaints Increasing Across Conservation Areas Planning Enforcement teams are reporting a steady increase in heritage‑related complaints, particularly in areas with large conservation zones
  • Daily Planning Update:
    Development Management Pressures Rising as Summer Applications Surge Development Management teams across the UK are reporting a noticeable uplift in application volumes as summer progresses,
  • Daily Planning Update
    Local Plan Timetables Tighten as Authorities Push Toward 2026 Milestones Local plan production remains a dominant theme across planning teams, with many authorities working toward