Demystifying changes to England’s national planning landscape
January 05, 2026
The English planning system is undergoing significant changes and Stantec’s specialists shed light on what they mean for development
The National Planning Policy Framework consultation looks to reshape some of the fundamentals of how planning policy is written and applied in England. This process, alongside the newly assented Planning and Infrastructure Act, will result in significant impacts to the development sector and the wider built environment.
What will be the biggest changes of this more pro-development planning system? What are the potential implications for local authorities, landowners, housebuilders, and the government when building for the future?
Stantec’s planning team are closely following the continued changes to planning policies and offering guidance to clients from all sectors of the development industry.
Our specialists can discuss the impact of planning policy changes in relation to a range of topics, including:
- Impacts on placemaking and urban design
- Meeting housing need and targets across the country
- Benefits or challenges to local economies
- Strategic land promotion
- Transport and infrastructure planning
- Urban regeneration
- Consenting and securing permissions for all development types
- Large scale developments and new towns
We have a range of community development spokespeople who can discuss the ins and outs of planning policy, providing meaningful analysis and thoughtful commentary.