Infrastructure Planning Consultants
Urban Vista Planning is a specialist infrastructure planning consultancy. We secure planning permission and consents for energy, data centre, water, transport, telecoms and industrial projects across England and Wales, from the first site appraisal through to discharge of conditions.
Infrastructure Consultancy
Infrastructure Sectors We Cover
Each sector has its own policy framework, consultees and technical evidence. Our infrastructure planning services are organised around the sectors where we work most.
Energy & Solar
Solar farms, wind, battery storage, grid connections and substations.
Learn more →Data Centres
Hyperscale, colocation and AI campuses, including Green Belt sites and grid infrastructure.
Learn more →Water & River
Pipelines, utilities, moorings, harbour works, marinas and waterway infrastructure.
Learn more →Transport
Rail, aviation, highways, bridges, transport assessments and access strategies.
Learn more →EV, Fuels & Industrial
EV charging hubs, alternative fuel stations, quarrying, plant and industrial facilities.
Learn more →Telecoms
Masts, 5G and fibre infrastructure, including prior approval and permitted development.
Ask us →Choosing the Right Consenting Route
Getting the consenting route right at the outset is the most important decision on any infrastructure project. It sets the programme, the evidence required and who makes the decision.
Planning permission (TCPA 1990)
The route for most infrastructure below NSIP thresholds, determined by the local planning authority.
Development Consent Order (Planning Act 2008)
For Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, examined by the Planning Inspectorate and decided by the Secretary of State.
Section 35 direction
Allows certain business, commercial and other projects to opt into the NSIP regime where they are of national significance.
Permitted development & prior approval
Statutory undertakers and some operators can carry out defined works without a full planning application.
Section 37 Electricity Act consent
Required for certain overhead electricity lines, often alongside related planning permissions.
Welsh DNS regime
In Wales, Developments of National Significance are decided by Welsh Ministers following examination by PEDW.
Our Infrastructure Planning Services
- Site appraisal and consenting strategy
- Environmental Impact Assessment screening, scoping and coordination
- Planning application preparation and project management
- NSIP and Development Consent Order support for promoters and councils
- Community consultation and stakeholder engagement
- Highways, access and transport assessments (CIHT-accredited)
- Biodiversity Net Gain, ecology and landscape coordination
- Section 106 and planning obligations negotiation
- Discharge of requirements and planning conditions
- Planning appeals and representations on third-party NSIPs
Why Choose Us
Chartered & CIHT Accredited
MRTPI Chartered Town Planners with MCIHT highways expertise, so planning and transport are covered in one team.
A Modern Infrastructure Consultancy
A specialist network of experienced planners and streamlined processes, without the overheads of a large practice.
Fixed, Staged Fees
Transparent pricing aligned to your project milestones. See our cost-effective planning approach.
England & Wales Coverage
Offices in Taplow, Leeds and Hereford, working with local planning authorities, the Planning Inspectorate and PEDW.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an infrastructure planning consultant do?
An infrastructure planning consultant secures the consents a project needs to be built. That includes identifying the right consenting route, appraising sites and constraints, coordinating environmental and technical assessments, engaging with local authorities, statutory consultees and communities, and preparing and managing the application through to a decision and the discharge of conditions.
Does my project need planning permission or a Development Consent Order?
Projects above the thresholds in the Planning Act 2008, such as large generating stations, electricity lines and major highway, rail and water schemes, are Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and need a Development Consent Order. Smaller projects usually need planning permission from the local planning authority, and some qualify for a section 35 direction to opt into the NSIP regime. We assess the thresholds and advise on the most efficient route.
How long does a Development Consent Order take?
After what is often one to three years of pre-application work, the statutory process follows set stages: 28 days to decide whether to accept the application, up to six months of examination, up to three months for the Examining Authority's recommendation and up to three months for the Secretary of State's decision. Thorough pre-application preparation is what keeps a DCO on programme.
Can infrastructure be built under permitted development rights?
Statutory undertakers, such as water, electricity, telecoms and transport operators, benefit from permitted development rights for many types of operational development, subject to conditions and limitations. Other projects may need prior approval rather than full planning permission. We check whether permitted development applies before a full application is prepared.
Who advises on infrastructure planning for large urban extensions?
Large urban extensions need infrastructure planning alongside the housing itself: highways and access, utilities and grid capacity, drainage, schools and community facilities, and the section 106 and CIL obligations that fund them. As Chartered Town Planners with in-house highways expertise (MRTPI and MCIHT), we advise promoters and landowners on infrastructure strategy, phasing and planning obligations.
Do you work alongside engineers and contractors?
Yes. On most infrastructure projects we act as lead planning consultant within a wider team of engineers, environmental specialists and contractors. We coordinate the planning inputs so the design, environmental assessment and consent strategy work together.
Discuss Your Infrastructure Project
Book a free 30-minute scoping call for an initial view on the consenting route, key risks and programme.
Book a Free Consultation