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Podcast Episode #9: 2025 reflections, a year of change for the planning industry?

The Brookbanks Difference / News / Podcast Episode #9: 2025 reflections, a year of change for the planning industry?
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As 2025 draws to a close, the planning industry finds itself at a pivotal moment. The latest Brookbanks podcast brings together leading voices from across the sector to reflect on whether this year delivered the transformation promised, and what lies ahead as we move into 2026.

Hosted by Ben Wakeling with special guest, Sam Stafford, Director at the Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF), and Annabel Le Lohe, Strategic Infrastructure Director at Brookbanks, this episode offered expert perspective on land promotion, housing and infrastructure delivery as well as the practical challenges of turning policy into reality.

One Year On: NPPF 2025 in Practice

The updated NPPF was designed to streamline decision-making and prioritise housing delivery. According to the experts, the impact has been mixed. While some local authorities have embraced the changes, others are struggling with resource constraints and uncertainty around interpretation.

Last-Minute Changes to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill

November saw the bill receive Royal Assent, but not without some late amendments. These adjustments sparked lively debate during the podcast. The consensus? While the bill introduces mechanisms to speed up infrastructure delivery, clarity on how these will work in practice is essential to ensure smooth application.

Budgets and the 2026 Wish List

Did 2025’s budgets go far enough?The experts mostly agreed that while progress has been made during 2025, funding still falls short of the sector’s ambitions. Affordable housing, digital planning systems, and infrastructure upgrades topped the wish list of what they’d like to see in 2026.

Devolution and Spatial Planning

The rise of Unitary Authorities and the growing influence of elected Mayors were also hot topics. Whilst some saw the suggested creation of unitary authorities as a positive step towards strategic planning, others fear added complexity and political tension would lead to further issues and setbacks for the industry.

New Towns Taskforce, What Makes a Town Truly ‘New’?

The consultation responses revealed strong interest in creating new communities, but the debate continues over what differentiates a genuine new town from a mega-sized Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE). Both Sam and Annabel agreed that identity, sustainability, and integrated infrastructure are key to solving this issue.

Looking Ahead: Will 2026 Deliver?

The podcast discussion revealed that while 2025 was arguably a year of transformation, with the foundations been laid, the real test and progress still lies ahead. Will 2026 bring the acceleration everyone is hoping for? Or will systemic challenges continue to slow progress?

Catch Up Now!

This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in planning, infrastructure, or housing delivery in the UK. Whether you’re a developer, policymaker, local authority planner, or simply interested in how the sector is evolving, you’ll find plenty of insight and debate.

Listen to the full episode now

Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to explore the big issues shaping planning and infrastructure in 2026 and beyond.

Team members on the podcast

Associate Director

Annabel Le Lohé

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Head of Cost and Commercial

Ben Wakeling

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