Building for Greener Growth

Ashfords

The UK’s approach to economic growth places increasing emphasis on sustainable planning reform and green security.

Effective planning reform should integrate sustainable practices within the regulatory frameworks that guide growth, to ensure the UK can thrive both now and in the future. Developments in this space are impacting projects across many industries and sectors. These include planning, energy, construction, real estate, corporate, and the public sector.

As the outlook for economic growth and planning reform evolves, our experts will keep you informed on the latest updates that matter to you. Through articles, reports, guides, webinars, and more, we’ll explore key opportunities and challenges businesses should be aware of and how Ashfords can support you.

Grid reform toolkit

NESO final proposal - Gate 2 methodology

As part of the wider grid reforms the National Energy System Operator (NESO) has announced that it will pause all applications for new grid connections received as of 29th January 2025 whilst the final methodologies on connection reform and proposed code modifications are considered by Ofgem for approval.

In 2023/24 alone, NESO received over 1,700 queue applications, with more projects already in the queue than is required for the energy system in 2030 or even 2050.

To help you navigate the proposed new processes to obtain a confirmed position in the new connections queue and a confirmed connection point and date, we have created an interactive toolkit summarising the key provisions of the various methodologies.

Access the toolkit Access the Gate 2 timeline

Our insights

Unlocking capacity: how Ofgem’s £28 billion investment into the grid proposes to transform UK energy infrastructure What is CMP448? Explaining the new progression commitment fee for grid connection queues NESO announces updated connections reform timeline NESO Gate 2 applications: what happens if an applicant is dissatisfied with NESO’s decision? Are you prepared for the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme? Government consultations on biodiversity net gain and the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2024: what do developers need to know? What’s holding biodiversity net gain back? David Richardson writes for Local Government Lawyer Could development consent order reviews place a greater burden on the courts? A devolution revolution? Key proposals in the English Devolution White Paper Updated government guidance on biodiversity net gain credits: key changes for developers to be aware of

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What legal challenges do solar developers face? Rhiannon Morgan-Williams features on Solar&StorageXtra podcast

Rhiannon Morgan-Williams, partner in our real estate team specialising in renewable energy, features on a Solar&StorageXtra podcast episode, sharing her expert knowledge on the ever-changing legal landscape around landowner agreements and option contracts.

The conversation also touches on the consequences of grid connection delays, and why agrivoltaics could offer a viable solution to balancing food and energy production on shared land.

Listen to the podcast