{"id":180,"date":"2025-10-28T09:39:29","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T09:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/?p=180"},"modified":"2025-10-28T09:44:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T09:44:00","slug":"reflections-from-the-2025-lancashire-built-environment-summit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/2025\/10\/28\/reflections-from-the-2025-lancashire-built-environment-summit\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflections From The 2025 Lancashire Built Environment Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”107.2%” custom_margin=”|-128px|5px|||” custom_padding=”|41px|0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Recently, I had the pleasure of representing\u00a0Northern Trust Land Ltd\u00a0<\/strong>at the\u00a0Lancashire<\/strong>\u00a0Built Environment Summit<\/strong>, hosted by Lancashire Business View.<\/p>\n

The event brought together professionals from across the property, planning, and construction sectors<\/strong> to share experiences and explore how we can build better, smarter, and more sustainably across Lancashire and beyond.<\/p>\n

I was delighted to join a panel alongside John Chesworth of Harrison Drury, Simon Lock of Woo Hoo<\/strong>, and\u00a0Michael Conlon of Conlon Construction<\/strong>, where we discussed the theme “Get Building Better and Smarter”. The conversation covered a wide range of issues currently facing the sector – from funding and regulation, to planning reform and the practicalities of delivering development on the ground.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-43px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”21px|||||” border_color_all=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Addressing the Real Challenges in Development” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”-36px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”30.4px” custom_margin=”-13px||18px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]My contribution to the discussion focused on some of the core hurdles that continue to shape the development landscape:
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Funding-Gaps.png” title_text=”Funding Gaps” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Viability Gaps” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Viability gaps remain a major challenge, particularly for secondary location projects. Without the right intervention funding structures in place, many schemes in the areas that need growth most struggle to get off the ground. This impacts not only the pace of delivery but also the ability to bring forward smaller, more flexible developments that can make a big difference to local economies and major development supply chains.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Increasing-Build-Costs-Regulation.png” title_text=”Increasing Build Costs & Regulation” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Increasing Build Costs & Regulation” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]We also touched on the\u00a0rising cost of construction\u00a0<\/strong>and the growing layers of regulation affecting the industry. These pressures are squeezing project viability and making it harder to deliver development at the scale and speed needed to support regional growth.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Major-Schemes-Supply-Chain-Opportunities-1.png” title_text=”Major Schemes & Supply Chain Opportunities” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Major Schemes & Supply Chain Opportunities” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The delivery of major schemes, such as the\u00a0Cyber Park at Samlesbury<\/strong>, is hugely positive for Lancashire’s economy. However, these large-scale projects also highlight the importance of\u00a0supporting supply chain businesses<\/strong> – the smaller firms and service providers that will need suitable accommodation close by. Providing these businesses with the right space to grow is essential if we’re to maximise the wider economic benefits.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Changing-Grant-Funding-Regimes-1.png” title_text=”Changing Grant Funding Regimes” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Changing Grant Funding Regimes” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Another topic raised was the changing nature of\u00a0grant funding regimes<\/strong>. Shifts in government priorities and funding availability can make it difficult for developers and land promoters to plan long-term. A more consistent approach to infrastructure and regeneration funding would give greater certainty and confidence to the market.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Planning-System-Challenges-Rising-BNG-Costs-1.png” title_text=”Planning System Challenges & Rising BNG Costs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Planning System Challenges & Rising BNG Costs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The\u00a0planning system<\/strong> remains one of the biggest hurdles to progress. The process can be slow and unpredictable, adding risk and delay to much-needed development. In addition, the increasing costs associated with\u00a0Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)\u00a0<\/strong>requirements are further stretching project viability. While we fully support the principles behind BNG, there needs to be a balanced approach that ensures environmental benefits without stalling delivery.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Role-of-Local-Plans.png” title_text=”The Role of Local Plans” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”The Role of Local Plans” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Local plans were another key area of discussion . Many Local plans are focusing heavily on\u00a0major strategic sites<\/strong>, which can overlook the role of smaller developments. Yet it’s often these smaller sites that provide the flexible workspace, smaller industrial units, and commercial land that drive entrepreneurship and innovation.<\/strong> Ensuring a pipeline of diverse development opportunities is vital for regional resilience and long-term economic growth.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”53.8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_all=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Time for a Step Change” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”-18px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]My closing point on the panel was that these are not new issues. In fact, many of the same themes – funding, planning complexity, rising costs – have been discussed for years. They seem to come full circle with every new cycle of policy reform or economic change.<\/p>\n

What’s needed now is a\u00a0real step change<\/strong> in how the planning system operates – from the inception of Local Plans through to the delivery of planning consents. Greater clarity, consistency, and speed would benefit not only developers and land promoters but also local authorities, communities, and the wider economy.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”53.8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_all=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Looking Ahead” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”-18px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|80px||||” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Events like the Lancashire Built Environment Summit are valuable because they bring together voices from across the industry to share practical insight and challenge the status quo. For\u00a0Northern Trust Land,\u00a0<\/strong>it reaffirmed the importance of what we do: working proactively with landowners, local authorities, and development partners to promote sites that support sustainable growth and economic opportunity.<\/p>\n

I’d like to thank\u00a0Lancashire Business View<\/strong> for hosting such an engaging and well-attended event, and my fellow<\/p>\n

 
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/54820080734_2ed194783f_b-1.jpg” title_text=”54820080734_2ed194783f_b” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-66px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]panellists for a thought-provoking discussion. It’s clear that while the challenges remain, the shared ambition to “build better and smarter” is stronger than ever.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”53.8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-25px||-32px|||” border_color_all=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-43px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”By Neil McManus” position=”Senior Development Manager” image_url=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Neil-McManus.png” linkedin_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/neil-mcmanus-a6977064\/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” body_line_height=”1.6em” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”0px||-21px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||1px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udce9 neilmcmanus@northerntrust.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ divider_weight=”15px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-8px|||||” border_color_all=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”15px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-31px|||||” border_color_all=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Recently, I had the pleasure of representing\u00a0Northern Trust Land Ltd\u00a0at the\u00a0Lancashire\u00a0Built Environment Summit, hosted by Lancashire Business View. The event brought together professionals from across the property, planning, and construction sectors to share experiences and explore how we can build better, smarter, and more sustainably across Lancashire and beyond. I was delighted to join a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":195,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=180"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":220,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180\/revisions\/220"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}