Planning reform needs to drive regional growth at pace

The government’s latest planning proposals represent a significant shift in how we think about growth and connectivity. Measures such as prioritising development near rail stations, fast-tracking development schemes for well-designed homes and centralising planning decisions for larger housing schemes are not just policy adjustments, but practical tools to unlock investment and accelerate delivery.

This next phase of planning proposals sets an agenda for real change and an impetus to move at pace towards more place-based developments which can unlock housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.

When sustainable transport and housing strategies align, regions experience widespread benefits such as job creation, increased investment, and the development of thriving local economies.

However, findings from AtkinsRéalis’ latest research paper into investor attitudes revealed that planning is repeatedly identified as the single greatest pain point for investors, which is why reform of the system is crucial in streamlining delivery timelines and providing investors and developers with far greater certainty.

We know that proximity to transport hubs drives demand, and developments near rail stations offer certainty for investors because there will always be a demand for homes connected to transport links. When planning policy clearly favours these locations, developers can move forward with confidence, knowing that their proposals align with national priorities.

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The launch in October of the Rail Industry Alliance’s report underlines this, calling for the creation of station investment zones to harness the potential of 2,500 railway stations across Britain to be at the centre of new place-based development.

Using transport links as the key for unlocking housing brings more people to local shops and services, and helps to create lively, walkable communities, attracting employers seeking well-connected locations. In a post-pandemic economy where hybrid working is the norm for those sectors which enable it, towns with strong transport links are increasingly desirable.

Examples include Barking Riverside in east London which only gained momentum once its station opened, unlocking thousands of homes and new amenities, and the King’s Cross regeneration project which transformed a former industrial area into a vibrant urban hub, creating over 1,700 housing units and numerous public spaces. 

Similarly, the planned DLR extension to Thamesmead, where AtkinsRéalis is co-leading the project alongside partners Arup, is expected to unlock significant development of 25,000 homes and 10,000 jobs. These are case studies in how infrastructure acts as a trigger for regeneration.

Environmental benefits are equally important, development around rail hubs reduces car dependency, aligning with net-zero ambitions, and should lead to high-quality public spaces, landscaping, and community facilities that make these areas desirable.

Speed and certainty are critical for delivering major projects and the government is right to say that – if projects are not moving quickly enough – it will step in and make it happen

Coupled with modern construction methods as exemplified by our social and affordable housing developer EDAROTH and extra funding to transform brownfield sites, this approach delivers growth that is both sustainable and inclusive.

Speed and certainty are critical for delivering major projects and the government is right to say that – if projects are not moving quickly enough – it will step in and make it happen. A more streamlined process may also ensure that decisions are made promptly, driving growth and investment, while maintaining environmental and statutory checks are still being carried out.

But planning delays are not solely about decision-making. Statutory consultees – the agencies responsible for environmental and technical assessments – often face resource constraints that create bottlenecks. Reforming these processes, whether through better funding, expanding resources or digital innovation such as more use of AI, is essential as faster responses mean quicker progress, without compromising standards.

These are skills that matter and the chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent comments in the Budget on boosting planning capacity highlight a long-standing issue: we need more planners in both public and private sectors.

Digital tools and AI can help by handling routine tasks, freeing professionals to focus on complex schemes and, combined with well-resourced statutory bodies, this could transform the pace of delivery.

Delivery is where the challenge now lies and policy signals must translate into action quickly to maintain investor confidence. Delays risk losing momentum and undermining the very certainty these reforms aim to create. The positives should be communicated clearly in that these changes are about enabling progress.

Planning reform is often contentious, but these proposals strike a pragmatic balance. They respect environmental safeguards while addressing systemic delays and encourage investment without sidelining local voices. Most importantly, they recognise that housing and infrastructure are two sides of the same coin.

For regions seeking growth, this is an opportunity to shape communities that are connected, sustainable and economically resilient. Businesses, developers and local authorities all have a role to play in turning policy into reality and it is now about scale, pace and delivery.

Viral Desai is practice director, planning, environmental consenting and communities at AtkinsRéalis