Hub Transport Planning prepares for a year of growth amidst evolving NPPF guidelines

Colmore Business District based SME, Hub Transport Planning has dived in to what it is predicting will be its busiest year ever, as the housing market adjusts to updates in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

With most local authorities preparing to be hit with significant increases in housing delivery targets following the government’s overhaul of the UK’s planning system and pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029, Hub is already responding to a rapid rise in demand from housing developers, land promoters and agents.

In 2024, the firm contributed to in excess of 50 planning submissions, which if successful, could facilitate the delivery of over 10,000 new homes, across the country. Hub anticipates their involvement in applications could double over the course of 2025 as housebuilders work with local authorities to meet the new thresholds.

In addition, Hub is currently involved in providing supporting transport advice for commercial development sites comprising in excess of 5 million sq ft GFA.

In preparation, the firm has expanded its team throughout 2024 and continues to seek skilled professionals to further strengthen its capacity. With extensive experience in navigating complex planning frameworks and integrating sustainability into transport strategies, Hub is well-equipped to support clients and stakeholders as the sector adjusts to these significant changes.

James Parker, Founding Director of Hub Transport Planning, commented: “Since we established in 2006, we’ve been committed to working collaboratively with clients, developers, and local authorities to streamline processes and overcome complex regulatory and technical challenges. Our innovative and resilient strategies have consistently helped bring forward residential and commercial sites equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support vibrant, sustainable communities.”

Hub provided the transport input for a planning submission of up to 475 dwellings in Hinckley which, following a successful Appeal hearing, was granted outline planning consent last year and are currently providing the transport advice for the second phase of a further 415 dwellings on the adjacent site.

James continued: “With new planning guidelines expected to bring significant changes to the industry and a persistent skills shortage posing challenges, we anticipate 2025 will be our busiest year yet, with easily double the average number of planning applications.”

Hub was established by James Parker and Gerard McKinney in 2006 to facilitate the delivery of quality advice to their clients, but without the restrictions that resulted from the structure of the major industry firms that they worked for at the time. They have since steadily grown the team to service sites across the UK and alongside planning submissions, regularly work on wider planning requirements including masterplans, feasibility assessments, travel and transport plans and WCHAR reports for local authorities. They also act as an Expert Witness for Planning Appeals.