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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
The UK’s housing delivery challenge is well-documented. Yet amid the national conversation about planning reform, infrastructure, and build-out rates, one group consistently punches above its weight: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) housebuilders. SMEs are a vital part of the solution, but they face very real and persistent hurdles development strategies.
At Brookbanks, we know EV charging becomes far more manageable when it’s approached as part of a wider development picture rather than an isolated task. Rising regulatory demands, limited capacity, cost pressures and the realities of underground or enclosed parking all interact in ways that can affect programme, viability and long‑term performance. This article looks at the recurring challenges we see across residential, commercial and mixed‑use projects and the practical steps that help developments meet Part S requirements, manage grid limitations, integrate load‑balancing and smart‑charging systems, and plan for solar PV and battery storage. The aim is to provide clear, grounded insight that helps teams design EV strategies that genuinely stand up to modern development demands.
Welcome to our February 2026 newsletter. In this issue, we will be sharing what’s been happening over the past month, including our two new podcasts highlighting the common pitfalls around S278 and S38 highway approvals, and what the Planning & Infrastructure Bill means for developers in England and Wales, with special guest Mark Harris from HBF Wales. We’re also looking back on our latest article, which explored how unspent S106 and CIL funds create opportunities to review, challenge and optimise legacy obligations, and why combining planning expertise with commercial insight is key to unlocking value. Plus, we are rounding off by showcasing one of our team's achievements.