May Newsletter
The latest updates from Urbanissta designed to keep you informed, inspired, and connected with the latest in the planning world…
There’s a real sense of energy and anticipation across the planning sector right now. With growing political focus on housing delivery, infrastructure, and strategic growth—particularly in light of Labour’s proposals to “Rebuild Britain”—planning has taken centre stage in the national conversation.
For those of us working at the heart of the system, this renewed attention brings both opportunity and challenge. Whether it’s green belt reform, housing targets, or local plan acceleration, the months ahead are shaping up to be pivotal.
Here at Urbanissta we have hit the ground running in 2025 (and we hope you have too)—supporting our clients across a diverse portfolio of projects. From securing major planning permissions to advancing land promotion strategies, it’s been a productive few months.
Our communications team has been equally busy, delivering a range of consultations—including a successful in-person event that strengthened local engagement and stakeholder insight.
Whether it’s navigating the green belt, managing complex planning applications, or helping shape local planning policy, our proactive and commercially-focused approach continues to deliver results for developers, landowners, and local authorities alike.
Our Recent Highlights include…
Green Belt/Grey Belt Promotion
We have actively been promoting green belt/grey belt sites in and edge-of-settlement locations through emerging Local Plans and/or preparing planning applications. These activities reflect our deep understanding of the policy framework and our ability to make compelling, evidence-based cases for sustainable development.
Permissions Secured
Our planning team has secured approvals for several complex residential schemes, overcoming significant planning and political challenges. These permissions represent important milestones for our clients and help unlock delivery of much-needed housing.
Local Plan Representation
We’ve been actively representing clients at Local Plan Examinations—submitting detailed evidence, responding to Inspector questions, and supporting spatial strategies that enable sustainable growth. Our contributions continue to influence plan-making at all levels.
Community Consultation
Our communications team has been working across a range of community engagement exercises, from digital consultation platforms to in-person events. These activities are helping to build trust, understand local perspectives, and ensure local communities are involved in every aspect of the build.
Urban Musings – What’s New on our Blogs….
Head on over to https://www.urbanissta.co.uk/2025/05/ to read this month’s blogs:
- The Draft London Plan – Key takeaways and implications for strategic growth.
- Horsham’s Local Plan – Our thoughts on the potential withdrawal of the Local Plan, and what it signals for planning strategy moving forwards.
- Rethinking the Green Belt: What the 2025 London Plan Means for London’s Landscape
- Strat Land – Our credentials on strategic land promotion.
- Land studies – review our comprehensive land and planning assessment service tailored to meet clients short, medium, and long-term land acquisition goals.
- The Rise of Reform and Implications for Site Promotion – following the May 2025 local elections, we explore the role Reform might now plan in planning promotion.
Planning Problems? Strategic Sites? We’re Here to Help.
Navigating the planning system can be complex—but that’s where we come in. Whether you’re promoting land, preparing a planning application, or facing green belt hurdles, our team brings the expertise, strategy, and commercial insight to move your project forward.
Our core services include:
Strategic Land Promotion
We lead and manage land promotion through the Local Plan process, helping secure site allocations for residential, mixed-use, and strategic development. Our experience includes edge-of-settlement and green belt/grey belt locations, where we’ve successfully made the case for sustainable growth.
Planning Applications & Consents
From pre-application engagement to managing complex applications and post-permission conditions, we provide comprehensive planning support. We’ve secured both outline and detailed permissions across a range of challenging sites.
Green Belt & Policy Expertise
We specialise in navigating green belt policy—developing robust exceptional circumstances cases, policy submissions, and site assessments to support releases through plan-led and appeal routes.
Stakeholder & Political Engagement
Our ability to build consensus is a key strength. We manage political risk, engage with key local figures, and facilitate productive relationships with planning officers, councillors, and communities to help secure support and reduce opposition.
Local Plan & Infrastructure Representation
We represent clients at all stages of the Local Plan and strategic infrastructure process, from written submissions to public examination hearings. Our team provides strong, evidence-based advocacy aligned with spatial and policy frameworks.
Risk-Managed Project Leadership
We provide clear, coordinated project leadership—working across planning, legal, technical, and commercial teams. Our disciplined approach ensures your project stays on track, risks are addressed early, and decision-makers are informed.
Get in touch…
Whether you’re seeking advice on a single site or developing a long-term planning strategy, we’d love to hear from you.
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