Chief Planner’s update

Published On: 12th July 2025

On 8th July 2025 Joanna Averley, the MHCLG Chief Planner (pictured) issued an update to local authorities on 

  • Planning and Infrastructure Bill progress;
  • AI technology to assist LPA planners;
  • A faster and more efficient planning appeals process
  • Biodiversity Net Gain consultations by DEFRA
  • A new national standard for sustainable urban drainage
  • A tool which will enable plan-makers and decision-takers to locate development in the most sustainable locations and plan for the transport infrastructure required to support it, and
  • An opportunity to share your views on Natural England’s Ancient Woodland Standing Advice
Share This Article

All Tags

E-bike fire Shepherds Bush [photo: LFB]
A lithium-ion battery fire every five hours
Fire brigades are responding to a lithium-ion battery fire every five hours, according to research from QBE, indicating 1,760 incidents in 2025—up ...
Macfarlane Place W12 (Peabody)
More social housing
The King's Speech included proposed legislation to increase investment in social housing. The Social Housing Bill was introduced into the House of ...
Planning fees
Planning Fees consultation response
We've responded to the government's consultation on planning application fees. While the proposal to set a National Default Fee Schedule at 90% ...
  • London Forum open meeting - Enforcement

    📅 Mon 29th June | 18:30 - 20:30
    🚩 77 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EL (map)
    Speakers and agenda to be confirmed
    Please save the date !

Featured Pages