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:
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What’s changed in the NPPF
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The motivations behind the reforms
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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:
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Mandatory engagement with water companies
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New statutory requirements for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
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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:
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Assess how policy changes could affect your current or future schemes
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Develop integrated strategies for water, utilities, and infrastructure delivery
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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.
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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...
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Development Management Group
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Land, Development and Communities Group
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Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Group
Our Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Group has a renowned team of award-winning, energy-centric building services specialists.
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Our work on the Development Cycle
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More News
Our April 2026 Newsletter
April 27, 2026
Welcome to our April 2026 newsletter. In this month's Brookbanks newsletter, learn more about how high-rise developments can be made more deliverable, with guidance on how you can reduce risk and protect viability. We're also looking back on our April webinar, where Annabel Le Lohe and Katherine Peers gave a rundown of Environmental Impact Assessments and how coordination can make a real impact on project delivery. Plus, there's a recap of this month's podcasts featuring two special guests. Paul Smith, Managing Director at The Strategic Land Group, and Tom Park, Associate Development Director at Caddick Developments. Also, find out which members of our team will be at UKREiiF as well as more about the CPD event we're co-hosting with the LPDF in May.
Brookbanks Webinar: Comprehensive Coordination for Environmental Impact Assessments
April 23, 2026
In this webinar we explore how Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) can be better coordinated to support clearer, more robust planning decisions. Annabel Le Lohé and Katherine Peers set out how EIAs are intended to function, before focusing on the practical considerations that influence how effective an assessment is in practice, from early briefing decisions through to long‑term delivery. The session was aimed at those working across planning, development and technical disciplines who are involved in preparing, coordinating or contributing to EIAs, particularly on large and complex schemes.
Podcast Episode #15: Energy Pressures in Industrial & Logistics Projects
April 20, 2026
Explore how rising energy demand, grid capacity constraints and changing requirements are shaping industry and logistics developments, and what developers can do to manage energy risk and future‑proof schemes.