Dalcour Maclaren says Planning and Infrastructure Act Likely to Cut Consenting Timelines and Streamline Consultation

Bicester (UK), 12th December 2025 – Dalcour Maclaren says the new Planning and Infrastructure Act, which is shortly due to receive Royal Assent, is expected to help speed up the delivery of major UK energy, water, transport and utilities projects by reducing delays and simplifying the consenting process. The specialist infrastructure and utilities consultancy says the reforms come at a critical time, with faster decisions anticipated to support the UK’s net zero commitments and wider economic priorities. 

James Neil, CEO of Dalcour Maclaren, said: “Long, unpredictable consenting timelines have been one of the biggest barriers to delivering the infrastructure this country needs. The new Act is a clear signal that processes can be simpler, more efficient and better aligned with the pace of modern project delivery. We welcome the changes and look forward to helping our clients navigate this new, faster regime.” 

As a consultancy working exclusively in the utilities and infrastructure sectors—across energy, water, transport and telecoms—Dalcour Maclaren sees first-hand how delays in the current system impact progress. The firm supports schemes through land strategy, land consenting and referencing, planning, surveying, and stakeholder engagement, and believes the Act has the potential to make a meaningful difference to delivery timelines. 

Oliver Heselton, Director, Dalcour Maclaren, added: “The reforms introduce practical benefits for project teams: shorter consenting timelines, more flexibility in resolving land and delivery issues, and more proportionate consultation. For developers, this isn’t just legislation on paper—it’s a real opportunity to reduce uncertainty and keep schemes moving, supporting cleaner energy, improved transport and essential utilities for communities across the UK.” 

Dalcour Maclaren is currently working on some of the UK’s largest and most complex schemes, including the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway project, HS2, Dogger Bank and Hornsea 1.  

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Editors notes

Dalcour Maclaren is a leading specialist in the utilities and infrastructure sector, helping drive a cleaner, greener future across the UK and Ireland. Our teams in land, environment, stakeholder engagement and geospatial services unlock the consents needed for major energy, water, transport and digital schemes. By focusing exclusively on this sector, we bring scale, technical depth and a unique understanding of the challenges our clients face. We put people at the heart of our business, fostering long-term, rewarding careers and prioritising wellbeing. Based in Bicester, Dalcour Maclaren has 19 offices across the UK and Ireland, including in Birmingham, Exeter, London, Manchester, Stirling and Belfast. www.dalcourmaclaren.com