Government wants to crack down on ‘baseless’ planning challenges
Summary
The government has opened a consultation on extending judicial review reforms beyond nationally significant infrastructure projects to major housing, transport and energy schemes. The aim is to reduce delays caused by repeated or weak legal challenges while preserving access to justice and the rule of law.
Why it matters
Planning delays can affect the timing and delivery of new housing and infrastructure, which in turn influences local supply, development pipelines and related surveying work. Surveyors involved in development, valuation or due diligence should note the potential for faster decision-making and fewer legal hold-ups on major schemes.
Key points
- Consultation proposes extending judicial review reforms to major housing, transport and energy developments.
- Measures under consideration include limiting repeated unsuccessful claims and setting clearer court timetables.
- The government says the changes are intended to stop weak or meritless challenges delaying important projects.
- Mandatory pre-application consultation for NSIPs will be removed next week, cutting up to 12 months from the process.
- The reforms build on the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and existing court rule changes.
Organisations:
Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Regulations:
Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, judicial review, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
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