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Writer's pictureBluestone Planning

Breaking Down the Budget: Key Takeaways for the Planning Industry

On 30th October, Rachel Reeves MP made history, delivering her first budget as the UK's first female Chancellor in more than 800 years - marking Labour's first budget in 14 years. While much of the focus has been on tax increases to fund the budget, there are several significant measures for the planning industry.


Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, holds up the traditional red ministerial box containing her budget speech, as she poses for the media outside No 11 Downing Street. (Source: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)


Key Budget Highlights for Planning:


  • £46 million for local planning authorities to recruit around 300 graduates and apprentices to strengthen council planning teams.

  • £5 million allocated to improve the planning process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (details still to come).

  • £47 million to support local authorities with projects stalled by nutrient neutrality regulations, potentially unlocking up to 28,000 new homes.

  • £500 million additional funding for the affordable homes programme, aiming to deliver up to 5,000 new homes.

  • £3 billion of support for SME builders and the Build to Rent sector, facilitating access to lower-cost financing and improving site viability.

  • Devolution for West Midlands and Greater Manchester, giving local mayors more control over funding decisions.

  • £35 billion investment in economic infrastructure (2025-26), funding major transport, water and energy projects.


Upcoming Planning Reforms


  • The government will respond to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation by the end of the year, confirming pro-growth reforms to the planning system.

  • Legislative changes will be introduced early next year through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, aimed at simplifying and streamlining the planning system.


Looking Ahead


As these reforms roll out, the planning industry will need to adapt to new legislative frameworks and take advantage of the increased financial support. The release of the updated NPPF in December will provide further clarity on how these changes will impact long-term growth, setting the stage for a transformative period in UK planning policy.


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At Bluestone Planning, we specialise in helping clients secure planning permission for brownfield developments and urban regeneration projects, as well as guiding our clients through the evolving landscape of planning frameworks. With the latest budget introducing key reforms, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and NPPF updates, our team is here to help you navigate these changes. We’ll ensure your projects align with both local and national planning objectives and seize new opportunities created by government initiatives. Whether you're looking to develop underutilised sites or optimise urban land use, we provide expert advice on how upcoming policies may impact your plans.


For more information on how we can support your development projects and help you make the most of the government’s strategy, contact us at Bluestone Planning by calling +44 1235 766825 or email admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk

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