Utility infrastructure is a critical component of any development project, yet it’s often one of the most complex and time-sensitive elements to manage. To help clients navigate this challenge, we asked members of the Brookbanks team to share their top tips for ensuring successful integration of utilities into development sites. Here’s what they said...
Nicole Harrison, Principal Utilities Consultant
“Engaging with us early will allow us to advise on the existing utilities infrastructure across a site. This will feed into the masterplan and identify any constraints, such as HC send off distances. It also put costs against any required diversions due to the existing infrastructure.”
Caroline Gavin, Principal Utilities Consultant
“Early engagement with utility providers is essential. Establishing points of connection at the outset helps avoid costly delays and ensures that your development programme stays on track. The sooner you start these conversations, the better prepared you’ll be to manage time and cost risks.”
Danny Lloyd-Jones, Associate Utilities Director
“Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) and Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) can offer competitive solutions for new infrastructure. Building strong relationships with these partners ensures you achieve best value and identify the most efficient options during tendering.”
Mat Capper, Director of Utilities
“Utility integration doesn’t end once contracts are signed. Continuous management is vital to ensure costs and capacities are effectively distributed across development parcels and remain aligned with the original appointment. Ongoing oversight helps maintain control and avoid surprises.”
Tobi Heng, Associate Utilities Director
“Starting utilities work early around the masterplan stage is great at helping de-risk a site. This also allows consideration of new technologies like micro-grids and district heating.”
Robert Batsford, Principal Utilities Engineer
“Undertaking detailed surveys, such as information on GPRs and Trial holes, is important to make sure services are where they say they are.”
Adam Melia, Senior Utilities Consultant
“There are often many constraints in capacity, so looking at all available capacity will help get more accurate timescales for projects while reinforcement works are being undertaken.”
Our team specialises in utility strategy and delivery, working closely with clients to integrate infrastructure seamlessly into development plans. From early engagement and searches to contract management and stakeholder coordination, we provide end-to-end support to keep your project moving.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with one of our utilities specialists to discuss how we can help you optimise integration for your next development.
Explore our new programme of 30+ CPDs, sharing practical insight across planning, design and delivery in sectors from education and healthcare to infrastructure and residential. Hosted by our specialists and shaped by real project challenges, sessions are available online or in person for teams of any size. Contact Owen Smith to book your CPD.
Brookbanks has expanded its local presence with a new Cardiff office, bringing multidisciplinary planning, engineering and development expertise to support projects across Wales and the UK. With strengthened capabilities in acoustics, SuDS, civil engineering and environmental services, our Cardiff‑based team provides integrated, practical solutions aligned with Welsh planning policy and technical approvals.
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.