Land Use in England

England’s land is a finite and increasingly contested resource, with growing pressure from urban expansion, agricultural demands, renewable energy projects, and environmental conservation. Yet, despite the critical importance of strategic land use planning, the absence of a comprehensive Land Use Framework (LUF) has led to fragmented decision-making and competing interests that often work at cross purposes.

Dependence on land use is critical for all, but separating issues from one another can be complex. As an ever-increasing monopoly, deciding trade-offs and separating one piece of land from another is highly contested. With devolution in England growing through the increase of Combined Authorities, the number of stakeholders who decide how land is prioritised and used in England will increase.

This research brief examines the current state of land use in England, highlighting the inefficiencies and conflicts that arise from a lack of coordinated planning. By exploring food security, energy, and environmental protection, this brief reflects on the urgent call for a systematic and transparent approach to land use planning that aligns local, regional, and national priorities.

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