Planning & Infrastructure Bill ushers in building boom

The UK’s construction industry is poised for a major boost as the government unveils the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at accelerating housing and infrastructure projects. Designed to tackle planning delays, unlock economic growth, and streamline major developments, the Bill is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and fast-track the delivery of 1.5 million homes and 150 major infrastructure projects.

Faster Planning, Fewer Delays, More Homes

With housebuilding at the heart of the reforms, the Bill introduces a national scheme of delegation to speed up planning decisions, ensuring developments move from approval to construction faster. Local authorities will gain greater control over planning fees, helping to address funding shortfalls that currently slow the process.

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, emphasized the government’s ambition: “We’re creating the biggest building boom in a generation—cutting red tape, backing the builders, and tackling blockers that have held back progress for too long.”

Major Infrastructure Projects to Get Green Light Faster

The Bill also streamlines approval for key infrastructure projects, such as roads, railway lines, and wind farms, by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring national planning policies are reviewed every five years.

Developments critical to the UK’s energy security—including wind and solar farms—will benefit from a “first ready, first connected” system, replacing the outdated “first come, first served” approach for grid connections. These changes will help unlock £200 billion in investment, ensuring faster deployment of clean energy projects.

Boost for Local Communities

In a significant move, households near new electricity transmission infrastructure will receive up to £2,500 off their energy bills over ten years. Additionally, communities will benefit from funding for local projects, such as sports clubs, schools, and leisure facilities, linked to infrastructure development.

Industry Leaders Welcome Reforms

Mark Reynolds, Executive Chair of Mace Group and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council, hailed the reforms: “For too long, planning delays have stifled growth, investment, and jobs. These changes show that the government is serious about tackling the housing crisis and boosting infrastructure.”

Neil Jefferson, CEO of the Home Builders Federation, added: “Speeding up planning decisions and removing unnecessary delays will allow the industry to increase housing supply and meet demand.”

Key Reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill:

🔹 Faster Planning Decisions – National delegation scheme to streamline application approvals.
🔹 Stronger Development Corporations – Enabling large-scale projects like new towns with integrated housing and infrastructure.
🔹 Compulsory Purchase Reform – Making land acquisition more efficient for housing and public projects.
🔹 Nature Restoration Fund – A pooled fund for environmental restoration, reducing delays for developers meeting ecological requirements.
🔹 Faster Grid Connections – Prioritising clean energy projects to meet the 2030 clean power target.
🔹 Local Community Benefits – Energy bill discounts and local project funding for communities hosting new infrastructure.

A New Era for UK Construction

With a bold commitment to tackling housing shortages, streamlining major infrastructure approvals, and boosting clean energy projects, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill marks a significant shift in the UK’s construction landscape.

As builders, developers, and investors gear up for a new era of growth and opportunity, the UK’s construction sector is set to play a central role in shaping the nation’s future—one home and infrastructure project at a time.

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