In his recent landmark address, King Charles has ignited Prime Minister Keir Starmer's bold new vision for Britain, aiming to "take the brakes off" and drive the nation towards economic growth. This declaration sets the stage for a wave of transformative reforms that will catalyse the delivery of key infrastructure and development projects.

Planning Reform: Full Throttle Ahead

Labour's ambitious agenda kicks off with the unveiling of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill – a fast-track route to supercharge the delivery of key infrastructure and homes. Communities will no longer have the power to block developments but will decide "how, not if" projects get built, flipping the script on past Conservative policies.

Highlights Include:

• Streamlined approvals for major infrastructure projects.
• Fairer but not excessive landowner compensation for necessary developments.
• Overhauled planning committees to boost decision-making efficiency.
• Enhanced resources for local planning authorities to ensure smoother operations for developers.
• Development projects funding nature recovery efforts, merging economic growth with environmental benefits.

Details of these sweeping changes are set to roll out over the coming months, with a key consultation on the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) starting by the month's end. Final updates will follow within the first 100 days of the Starmer administration.

Housing Goals: Big Promises, Awaiting Blueprints

The government vows to build 1.5 million homes this term, underpinned by the new Bill. Expect mandatory housing targets and a green belt Boundary Review, with a focus on revitalising brownfield and grey belt sites.

What's Missing?

Notably, the speech skipped mentioning new towns, despite Labour's earlier pledges. Angela Rayner has previously detailed plans for a New Town Commission and site decisions within the first year if Labour clinches victory. It remains unclear if new town initiatives will appear in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill or as separate legislation.

Devolution: Power to the People

The English Devolution Bill is set to hand over new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities, sharpening their ability to influence strategic planning and local transport. This could revive a regional planning approach, paralleling the Greater London Authority's influence over London boroughs.

Transport Overhaul: Trains and Buses in the Spotlight

Railways are set for a shake-up with the birth of the publicly owned Great British Railways, consolidating train operations under public control. Simultaneously, a Better Buses Bill will put local leaders in the driver's seat of their bus services, promising improvements across public transport networks.

Environment: Cleaner, Greener Future

The government commits to fighting climate change head-on with the Great British Energy Bill, establishing Great British Energy to ramp up renewable energy investments. The Water (Special Measures) Bill will arm water regulators with stronger powers to enhance water quality.

Rental Reform: Boosting Tenant Rights

New laws are on the horizon to fortify renters' protections, including a ban on no-fault evictions, ensuring greater stability for tenants.

Conclusion

Keir Starmer's Labour government is forging a path towards modernised infrastructure, dynamic growth, and robust environmental and social policies. Developers, local authorities, and landowners are encouraged to stay vigilant, seize opportunities, and adapt to the transformative changes ahead.