On 27 September we attended the Annual Residential Development Planning Conference 2023 to gather intel on the current state of the residential landscape and to further educate ourselves on what is happening in the future of the planning sector. Whilst we may not be planning advisors, having an understanding of the challenges our clients will face helps us to tailor the support we provide in everything from feasibility studies to project management.

This year’s conference was marked by significant surprises and revelations, with Joanna Avery, the Chief Planner at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC), making an unexpected appearance to share crucial updates on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill.

Big year for planning, despite uncertainty

The conference opened with an acknowledgment of the transformative year ahead for the planning industry. Understandably the uncertainty surrounding policy changes has been on the mind of most professionals in real estate, especially with the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill coming to prominence. As you might expect her to, Joanna Avery sought to reassure delegates that the upcoming changes are designed to bring balance to the process.

Harnessing the power of historic data

 One of the most interesting developments explored at the conference was the launch of a digital planning tool that leverages significant historic data. This tool and other cutting edge technologies on the brink of launch, promise to revolutionise the planning process by encouraging quick, data-driven decisions and enhance digital planning software. It is hoped that by utilising historical data, planners will gain valuable insights to inform their decisions, which should then streamline the planning process and reduce inefficiencies.

 Legal insights on key planning decisions

Last year’s significant planning decisions were scrutinised from a legal perspective. This section provided us with a better understanding of the legal nuances that shape planning outcomes. An intriguing highlight of this discussion was the legal aspect on the blocked rebuild of the iconic M&S flagship store by Michael Gove, the Secretary of DLUHC. Gove refused planning permission for the new flagship store on Oxford Street which would have included offices and had a BREAAM rating of excellent.

Speaker Claire Dutch, Head of UK Real Estate at Ashurst, disagreed with the decision and went into detail on how the planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.

Data and sustainability take centre stage

Not surprisingly, data and sustainability were on the tip of all the speakers tongues at the conference, echoing trends in the broader construction industry. The world continues to fight with environmental and climate challenges and the speakers and attendees recognised the critical role of sustainability in residential planning. The overarching conclusion is that the integration of sustainable practices and data-driven decision-making will be pivotal in shaping the future of planning and development and allow both Hollis and the rest of the industry to stay ahead of the game.