A Land Use Framework fit for the future?

Mark Dugdale, Associate Surveyor at DM, discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by the Government when prioritising future land use

The Government’s Land Use Consultation closes at the end of this month. It is seeking views on the Government’s vision for land use in England and how to deliver it.

This is to address the numerous competing interests all vying for land, often in the same location. From food production and biodiversity to energy generation, houses and infrastructure, there is limited land available and many valid needs for that land.

Views are being sought from all stakeholders with an active interest in steering policy, including farmers, landowners, businesses and nature groups with a deadline of 25 April 2025.

The Consultation is seeking input on actions that could be taken to support the land use changes that will be required with limited land available.

A challenging scenario

Conflicts are inevitable given we are an island with a growing population with ever increasing demands and pressures on resources. That’s why, at DM, we recognise we must work each hectare harder yet smarter, adopting smart solutions for our clients who need access to land to ensure our energy and infrastructure needs can be met.

Supporting our clients

The consultation clock is ticking, and we continue to work with all our clients to help coordinate the optimum land strategy for the permanent or temporary use of land for energy, utility and infrastructure projects.  Land use and planning policy fundamentally affects all of our clients in one form or another when planning utility linear projects and new infrastructure. Ultimately, they drive the outcome, regardless of local practicalities on the ground.

The Land Use Framework is expected to be published later in 2025, and it will be interesting to see if it prioritises one land use ahead of another, in an ever-competitive environment. Our focus will be to understand how the new framework will offer solutions to unlocking land for our clients and advise accordingly, helping them deliver their aspirations while ensuring the continued alignment with national policy.

The public has until 25 April to complete Defra’s consultation questionnaire.