Our Monthly Newsletter: Summer Reflection

As summer draws to a close, Brookbanks is taking a moment to reflect on the past few months of progress, innovation, and transformation across the development and infrastructure sectors. With new policy shifts and industry reviews shaping the landscape, we’re also looking forward to the opportunities ahead and how we can help our clients stay ahead of the curve.

Introducing our Brookbanks Podcast

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Brookbanks Podcast, a new platform where our experts share insights on the latest industry developments and practical strategies for navigating change.

In our debut episode, Ben Wakeling (Commercial Director) and Jack Lynch (Planning Manager) unpack the recent updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). They explore:

What’s changed in the NPPF
The motivations behind the reforms
Implications for developers, local authorities, and infrastructure projects

Whether you prefer to watch, read, or listen on the go, the Brookbanks Podcast is your go-to resource for staying informed and prepared. Catch the full episode on our YouTube channel or read the accompanying blog on our website.

Spotlight on the Cunliffe Review: Transforming the Water Sector

In July, the Government’s Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, released its long-awaited review of the UK water sector. With 88 recommendations for reform, the report marks a pivotal moment for developers and infrastructure planners.

Key changes include:

Mandatory engagement with water companies
New statutory requirements for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
A re-evaluation of the ‘right to connect’

These reforms will directly impact planning applications, project timelines, and long-term infrastructure strategies. At Brookbanks, we’re already working with clients to interpret the findings and adapt their plans to remain compliant, mitigate risks, and unlock new opportunities.

You can read our full breakdown of the recommendations and our strategic advice in our blog

Future-Proofing Your Projects

Now is the time to review your development strategies and ensure your projects are resilient to upcoming changes. Our team is here to help you:

Assess how policy changes could affect your current or future schemes
Develop integrated strategies for water, utilities, and infrastructure delivery
Prepare early-stage planning approaches to keep projects compliant and on track

Partnering for Success

The development landscape is evolving rapidly, but with the right preparation and expert guidance, change can be a catalyst for growth. At Brookbanks, we’re committed to providing the insights, strategy, and support you need to navigate these shifts successfully.

If you’d like to explore how our team can support your projects, visit our website or reach out directly to Rachel Appleby, Group Business Director, at rachel.appleby@brookbanks.com.

Thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to working with you through the rest of 2025 and beyond.

Check out our services....

Civil Engineering Group

Our dedicated Civil Engineering and Infrastructure teams are trusted designers and deliverers of major developments including new towns, major urban extens...

Cost & Commercial Group

Infrastructure/Abnormal/Site-Wide Cost Planning. We have vast experience in structuring, maintaining and managing budgets of hundreds of million pounds, en...

Development Management Group

We are one of the UK's leading partners to blue chip developers, funders and land promoters. From securing planning consents for major house building schem...

Land, Development and Communities Group

Our Land, Development and Communities Group (LDC) has built an enviable reputation across our industry as leading providers of a variety of services with t...

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Group

Our Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Group has a renowned team of award-winning, energy-centric building services specialists. We are a creative te...

Our work on the Development Cycle

Our services are available for specific stages of a project or for a projects' entire lifecycle – it all comes down to what you need and when. We are adapt...

Structural Engineering Group

Our Structural Engineering Group can trace its origins back to its formation in 1984. From the outset it quickly gained a reputation for producing practica...

More News

Back to News

Ben Ainslie Racing HQ: A True Landmark

September 11, 2025

In the heart of Portsmouth Harbour, nestled on The Camber, stands a building that embodies ambition, precision, and sustainability the Ben Ainslie Racing Headquarters. Conceived as the nerve centre for Sir Ben Ainslie’s 2021 America’s Cup challenge, this prestigious facility is more than just a workplace; it’s a symbol of cutting-edge design and collaborative engineering.

Rayner Out, Reed In – Housing Secretary Shake-Up

September 8, 2025

Following a high-profile resignation by Angela Rayner over a tax issue, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer moved swiftly to appoint Steve Reed as the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Reed, who previously served as Environment Secretary, inherits Rayner’s housing brief at a critical juncture. He has launched his tenure with a promise to “get Britain building” so that “everyone has access to affordable, safe homes and thriving communities”.

Our graduates reflect on their first week at Brookbanks

September 4, 2025

Brookbanks is excited to launch this years' Graduate Rotation Programme!