Talk About Town

The BNG Consultation Response

The Government has published its response on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain (“BNG”) for minor, medium and brownfield development. The response confirms that mandatory BNG will remain a central component of the planning system in England. No fundamental restructuring of the regime is proposed. Instead, the Government intends to introduce a package of […]

David Mathias and Tanika Zeidler

Thank you for your call: am I data centre number 1 in the queue?

Increasing demand for data centres has brought the constraints of the country’s electricity grid and challenges in the planning system sharply into focus.

Written by:

Jamie Davies and Martyn Jarvis

Securing Clean Energy – A review of the draft NPPF policies

Whilst much of the attention in respect of the proposed reforms to the NPPF has focused on policies relating to housing, viability, and what constitutes a reasonable walking distance to a well-connected train station, there are significant policy changes proposed for all types of development.

Written by:

Martyn Jarvis

Simplifying & Standardising Section 106 Agreement Processes: Proposals for Reform

We’re pleased to announce the publication of a suggested draft template Section 106 agreement for small and medium‑sized residential developments, alongside practical recommendations to simplify and speed up the process.

Written by:

Simon Ricketts, Meeta Kaur, Sadia Hussain and Susannah Herbert

‘Emergency Measures’ to Incentivise Housing Development in London

The Government and the Mayor of London have now announced the awaited ‘Emergency Measures’ package to help boost housing and affordable housing development in the capital, following recent record-low levels of housebuilding.

Written by:

Simon Ricketts, Duncan Field and Elizabeth Christie

Compulsory Reading: Nofax Station Road Limited v The London Borough of Barnet

I’m sure this decision would have received more attention had it not been released at the end of July – although it is destined to be much quoted in future submissions to the Tribunal, it may not have been seen as a great beach read. But holiday season is nearly over so let’s get our brains back in gear…

Written by:

Raj Gupta

The Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy: Will it lead to increased consents?

One could be forgiven for finding themselves unable to keep up with all of the strategies, plans and reforms the government is consulting on, publishing and announcing of late relating to industry and energy.

Written by:

Martyn Jarvis

Planning and Infrastructure Update: A Plan Coming Together?

Much can happen in a week, and it did last week with respect to the Government seeking to streamline the Planning Act 2008 regime for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and send out the clear message that Britain is open for infrastructure investment and the place where global investors should be investing.

Written by:

Martyn Jarvis

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill – Town Legal Summary

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 11 March 2025. Please read our summary here of the key changes proposed in relation to the planning system in the context of other recent government announcements.

Written by:

Susannah Herbert