Roundtable Summary: A Northern Perspective on Planning Reform, Infrastructure Delivery and the Path to Net Zero
Counter Context and CMS recently convened the second in our ongoing series of roundtables. Bringing together professionals from across the development and infrastructure sectors, we discuss the practical challenges and opportunities shaping the North’s journey towards Net Zero.
The most recent iteration explored how recent planning reforms, grid connection challenges and evolving infrastructure priorities are being experienced across the North of England. Central to the discussions were how the sector can continue to navigate the changing policy landscape, as well as, more generally, socio-economic uncertainty.
Key themes included:
Planning Reform in Practice – Attendees discussed the growing tension between process-heavy consultation requirements and the need for more proportionate, outcome-focussed engagement that genuinely informs decision-making.
Policy, Guidance and Consistency – Participants reflected on the increasing complexity of the planning system and the need for clearer differentiation between policy and guidance, alongside more consistent interpretation across sectors.
Delivering Priority Infrastructure – The roundtable explored ongoing grid connection reforms, investor uncertainty, AI Growth Zones, and the need for more coordinated approaches to infrastructure delivery.
Governance and Proportionality – Discussions focussed on balancing speed of delivery with transparency, accountability and public trust, alongside the importance of clear communication and meaningful engagement.
Across all discussions, there was broad agreement that collaboration, clarity and proportionate reform will be essential to accelerating infrastructure delivery and supporting progress towards Net Zero. The roundtable reinforced the importance of continuing conversations across sectors to share experiences, identify practical solutions and strengthen regional collaboration.
To read the full roundtable report and explore the detailed recommendations, please click here.
Next Steps
We intend to continue running these events, keeping topics at the top of the agenda, and continuing discussions about proposals for change. Please get in touch with lucy.davolls@countercontext.com if you have future discussion point ideas or would like to get involved.
Further Information
Click here to view and download a report that outlines the outcomes of our first roundtable, held in October 2025.
