Weekly planning news

97% of Planning Departments Facing Skills Gaps

The government’s first annual survey of planning capacity¹ has revealed that 97% of local planning authorities are experiencing skills gaps.

Launched to help the government tailor its national support approach, the survey aims to target areas most in need of additional resources and to monitor the impact of investment in planning capacity and capability over time. With the 2025 survey launching this month, the findings from the first survey will act as a baseline for further study.

The results highlight the challenges local authorities are facing: 91% reported difficulty recruiting staff, 97% acknowledged skills shortages, and 38% experienced a decrease in team size.

Capacity and resourcing issues within local planning authorities have long been recognized, and at Planning Portal and TerraQuest, we are committed to offering solutions. Through our Planning Engagement Programme, we provide comprehensive, flexible capacity and resourcing support tailored to the needs of local authorities.

To find out how we can support your team, visit our website.²

National Trust to Restore 250,000 Hectares of Nature-Rich Landscapes

To celebrate its 130th anniversary, the National Trust has set an ambitious goal: to restore 250,000 hectares of nature-rich landscapes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—an area 1.5 times the size of Greater London.

The initiative focuses on peatlands, woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and salt marshes. By improving biodiversity, restoring habitats, and enhancing soil health, the charity aims to create ecosystems capable of supporting up to 1 billion earthworms.

According to The Guardian³, the strategy emphasises creating “larger tracts of landscape.” Notable projects so far include:

• Tree planting in Lunt, Merseyside to expand the Mersey Forest network.
• Habitat restoration in the Shropshire Hills to support breeding grounds for the endangered curlew.

Collaboration with environmental organisations, farmers, and local communities will be key to connecting habitats and ensuring the success of the initiative.

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-planning-capacity-and-skills-survey-2023-findings
2. https://www.terraquest.co.uk/products-services/planning-engagement-programme
3. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/10/national-trust-to-restore-nature-across-area-bigger-than-greater-london