Roundtable Summary: A Northern Perspective on Policy, Practice and the Path to Net Zero
Counter Context and CMS recently brought together professionals from across the development and infrastructure sectors for a roundtable, exploring how policy change, regional perspectives, and industry pressures are shaping the North’s journey towards Net Zero.
After a year marked by major policy announcements, legislative shifts, and continued uncertainty across the planning and energy landscapes, our roundtable provided an opportunity to reflect on how these changes are being felt regionally. We explored the challenges ahead, the opportunities within reach, and how the North can take a more proactive role in shaping national progress.
Working across the built environment – from Town and Country Planning Act applications to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects – participants agreed that chances to step back, share insights, and collaborate beyond day-to-day delivery are rare. This roundtable is the first in a series designed to change that: opening up space to surface shared barriers, spark new ideas, and strengthen the North’s collective voice.
The conversation centred on four key areas:
Policy and Legislative Change – The impact of recent and proposed reforms, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, evolving consultation requirements, and connection reform.
Community and Stakeholder Influence – The growing role of communities and stakeholders in applications, and the importance of balancing meaningful engagement with delivery.
Regional Perspectives – How being based in the North offers a distinct lens on the UK’s progress towards Net Zero, and how regional practitioners can shape national priorities.
Political Outlook – How political change may influence the industry’s direction, creating both challenges and opportunities for maintaining momentum.
The position piece outlines the key takeaways and recommendations for industry and decision-makers, based on insights from the roundtable discussion. It highlights practical opportunities to accelerate progress toward Net Zero, enhance community engagement, streamline planning and consultation processes, and leverage regional expertise to support the UK’s clean energy transition.
To read it in full and explore the detailed findings, click here.
Next Steps
We plan to continue hosting these events to keep key topics at the forefront of the regional agenda and foster ongoing collaboration across the sector. If you have suggestions for future discussion themes or would like to get involved in upcoming sessions, please get in touch.
