Make UK urges faster planning reform for manufacturers

The news

Make UK surveyed 196 manufacturers between 20 March and 10 April. Nearly half said the planning system is holding back economic potential and almost half reported it is slowing their ability to grow or invest. Over half said species-protection rules have affected proposals, with 14% reporting frequent disruption. Two-thirds backed greater powers for regional mayors. The group is urging ministers to go further than the current Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

What's at stake

The planning system affects investment decisions across UK manufacturing. Complexity of regulations was cited as the biggest barrier, with almost half of respondents reporting difficulties navigating the system. Two-thirds said coordinated regional planning would make expansion easier. Make UK wants a Manufacturing Growth Test to assess whether reforms reduce cost, complexity and uncertainty for businesses seeking to invest, expand and decarbonise. It also calls for stronger national rules to end postcode planning and for environmental processes to become predictable and proportionate.

The West of England Mayor has already used new powers under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act to designate the region's first Mayoral Development Zone. The move forms part of a £17 billion regional investment prospectus and follows the area's first allocation from the national Brownfield Housing Fund. Nine Mayoral Development Corporations already operate across England.

The case for

Faster approvals and stronger regional powers would align land, infrastructure and industrial priorities. Strategic manufacturing projects could be fast-tracked, particularly those supporting productivity, net zero and supply chain resilience. Coordinated regional planning would reduce inconsistency between local authorities and cut the cost and complexity of applications. A Manufacturing Growth Test would ensure reforms deliver measurable reductions in delay for businesses.

The case against

Streamlining approvals risks weakening environmental safeguards that protect species and habitats. Case-by-case negotiation allows local impacts to be properly assessed. Greater mayoral powers could reduce democratic oversight by local councils and communities. Legal challenges have already delayed major infrastructure, and further limits on scrutiny could remove important checks on project design and location.

Why it matters now

The government is already advancing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill alongside the National Planning Policy Framework. If the reforms proceed as Make UK proposes, strategic manufacturing projects could move faster and regional mayors would gain default powers to designate development zones. If the Bill stays unchanged, manufacturers will continue to face the current levels of cost, complexity and uncertainty reported in the survey.

Further reading

themanufacturer.com · manufacturingmanagement.co.uk

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