Written by Jay Allan
The industrial sector might not always grab headlines, but it’s quietly shaping the future of our places, our politics and our planning system.
At the Last Mile Conference, the conversation ranged from freight corridors to AI data centres – but what really stuck with me were the implications for how we engage communities and make decisions.
These are my five reflections from last week’s conference.
Strategic Planning Needs Balanced Decision-Making
Planning doesn’t need to be depoliticised – but it does need rebalancing. Strategic industrial schemes often hinge too heavily on planning committees, while officers’ expertise is under-leveraged. A more proportionate weighting, e.g. 25% for officers on major applications, could help unlock better outcomes and reduce delays.
Jobs and Industry Deserve Equal Billing with Housing
Housing dominates planning conversations – but industrial growth is just as vital. Transport and storage are expanding at twice the rate of the UK economy, with 330,000 new jobs forecast over the next 20 years, and potentially up to 465,000 with the right policy support. Yet logistics often feels like an afterthought. Industry powers everything: from businesses and public services to the deliveries that support our homes. It’s the backbone of the other eight sectors in the Government’s Industrial Strategy – and its omission is a real miss. We need more serious conversations at Government level about how industrial growth is planned, prioritised and supported alongside housing.
Local Leadership Is the Real Planning Superpower
Local authorities have the tools to shape growth – but need leadership and vision that communities can buy into. Planning isn’t just about rules; it’s about storytelling. Strong narratives and early engagement turn passive consultation into collaboration. With fewer than a third of local plans up to date, the Government must enforce updates or take a more direct role to leverage these employment opportunities.
Changes Are Happening – But Needs to Be Felt Locally
Planning reform is underway, from new bills to new funding pathways for local authority planners. The Government’s recent move to which could potentially ease planning restrictions on AI data centres – alongside mooted AI zones – is a step in the right direction. But spatial development strategies still don’t allocate land for industrial development, and local plans remain uncommunicative. Reform must be felt locally, not just in Westminster.
Engage Early – Especially on Key Strategic Sites
Whether it’s rail freight hubs, data centres or new towns, early engagement is essential. These developments shape places and economies – and communities need to be part of that conversation from the start.