Public works watch
New railways, trams, roads and planning applications
A Part 1 claim starts with knowing a scheme exists. This page pulls the latest official announcements about new railways, tram and metro extensions, road schemes and airport works, and points you at the planning portal for your own council so you can watch applications and local plan allocations near your home.
Latest announcements
Sourced from official GOV.UK announcements by the Department for Transport, National Highways, HS2, the Planning Inspectorate and housing and planning departments. Updated each time the page loads.
- Airports4 Aug 2026Department for Transport
Gatwick to open second runway as government wins legal challenge
From 2030, Gatwick Airport's expansion is expected to enable up to 100,000 additional flights a year, increasing passenger choice and boosting airline competition.
- Railways3 Aug 2026Department for Transport
More students to save from September as changes to 16-17 Saver railcard come in
From 17 August 2026, 16-17 Saver railcards will be valid for a full year from the purchase date and will not expire when the holder turns 18.
- Airports29 Jul 2026Department for Transport
£750,000 to launch aviation careers for diverse young talent
Scheme helps break down barriers and empower more young people to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.
- Railways23 Jul 2026Department for Transport
All aboard for summer
Alongside government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign, more people can travel for less this summer with discounts available across all publicly owned railway services.
- Railways23 Jul 2026Department for Transport
New stations, faster journeys and better connections as works begin to restore Portishead line for the first time in 60 years
With services due to begin in 2028, passengers will be able to travel directly between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads in around 25 minutes.
- Railways15 Jul 2026Department for Transport
£33.4 million to fund new gateline improvements
New ticket gates at railway stations will help crack down on fare dodging, while reinvesting millions into better rail services across England.
- Planning & compulsory purchase8 Jul 2026Planning Inspectorate
One Earth Solar Farm development consent decision announced
The One Earth Solar Farm DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Roads6 Jul 2026Department for Transport
Government backs Brighton beaches with new funding
The £22 million government investment will replace dozens of Victorian arches to avoid the risk of collapse and ensure the road is safe for the next 100 years.
- Planning & compulsory purchase2 Jul 2026Planning Inspectorate
Dean Moor Solar Farm development consent decision announced
The Dean Moor Solar Farm DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Planning & compulsory purchase2 Jul 2026Planning Inspectorate
Peartree Hill Solar Farm development consent decision announced
The Peartree Hill Solar Farm DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Railways26 Jun 2026Department for Transport
Cambridge South station opens
This £250 million government investment cuts journey times, boosts rail links and supports further employment growth in the region.
- Airports18 Jun 2026Department for Transport
New consultation sets foundations for Heathrow expansion to take off
Consultation launched on the framework for future planning decisions for Heathrow’s third runway.
- Airports2 Jun 2026Department for Transport
New laws set to modernise aviation and better protect passengers
The Civil Aviation Bill will support airspace modernisation and enhance safety standards for passengers across the UK.
- Railways28 May 2026Department for Transport
Britain's biggest train operator’s services enter public ownership this weekend
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which includes Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, will transfer into public ownership.
- Railways24 May 2026Department for Transport
More new trains, better journeys: SWR celebrates one year in public ownership
The roll-out of the South Western Arterio fleet shows how nationalisation of the railway is transforming passenger journeys.
- Railways22 May 2026Home Office
Government and rail industry say ‘enough’ to sexual harassment
Campaign will target sexual harassment on trains and at stations while train operators will be scored on how they tackle the issue under the new scheme.
- Trams & metro21 May 2026Department for Transport
New mass transit taskforce to reshape the future of transport in towns and cities
The new taskforce will make recommendations to improve transit systems so they can be delivered more efficiently across the UK.
- Railways20 May 2026Department for Transport
Full steam ahead for Great British Railways as first branded train unveiled
First Great British Railways‑branded train unveiled as services move into public ownership, with new branding rolling out across England’s rail network.
- Railways19 May 2026Department for Transport
Transport Secretary ends 'era of neglect' on HS2 with thorough reset
Transport Secretary sets out new HS2 costs and timelines after a full review, taking control of the project to cut waste, speed up delivery and save billions.
- Planning & compulsory purchase14 May 2026Planning Inspectorate
Dogger Bank South Offshore Wind Farms development consent decision announced
The Dogger Bank South Offshore Wind Farms DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Planning & compulsory purchase14 May 2026Planning Inspectorate
North Falls Offshore Wind Farm development consent decision announced
The North Falls Offshore Wind Farm application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Railways11 May 2026Department for Transport
Multimillion-pound competition drives cutting-edge innovation in rail industry
Modernising track and train will help improve the passenger experience, while supporting jobs, growth and homes in Britain.
- Railways10 May 2026Department for Transport
Next stop, Cambridge South: new station's opening date revealed
New Cambridge South rail station opening in June 2026.
- Planning & compulsory purchase16 Apr 2026Planning Inspectorate
New digital service becomes the primary route for planning and enforcement appeals
Following the successful national rollout of our new digital service, we are now entering the next phase of our transformation. The legacy Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) has stopped accepting new planning and enforcement appeals, as we move closer to a fully integrated digital end-to-end service.
- Planning & compulsory purchase10 Apr 2026Planning Inspectorate
Enforcement appeal submission changes coming soon
The Planning Inspectorate is making important changes to how enforcement appeals are submitted. All planning and enforcement appeals must now be made via the Appeal a Planning Decision service.
- Planning & compulsory purchase8 Apr 2026Planning Inspectorate
Springwell Solar Farm development consent decision announced
The Springwell Solar Farm DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Trams & metro2 Apr 2026Department for Transport
Better Connected: tap-and-go travel across trains, trams and buses announced in government's new transport strategy
Strategy sets the direction for a more joined-up transport network that works better for passengers, drivers and communities across England.
- Roads26 Mar 2026Department for Transport
Major renewal of ageing English roads delivered with £27 billion investment
Road Investment Strategy 3 will fund major schemes to upgrade and future-proof England's roads over the next 5 years.
- Railways25 Mar 2026Department for Transport
Better journeys ahead: agreement secured to benefit Welsh passengers under Great British Railways
New UK–Welsh rail agreement gives Wales a bigger say in services, working together to deliver better and more reliable journeys and with a commitment to providing bilingual customer information.
- Railways23 Mar 2026Department for Transport
Transport Secretary tasks HS2 with reducing construction time and cost to taxpayers
The government is exploring options to cut HS2 costs, reduce delays and deliver the benefits of increased rail capacity and faster journeys earlier.
- Railways17 Mar 2026Department for Transport
Delay Repay changes will make rail travel easier under Great British Railways
These changes allow passengers to claim Delay Repay compensation faster and the rail industry to invest in improvements across the UK.
- Planning & compulsory purchase11 Mar 2026Planning Inspectorate
Planning inspector roles: apply by 15 March 2026
The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting experienced built environment professionals to become planning inspectors, determining planning appeals across England.
- Planning & compulsory purchase18 Feb 2026Planning Inspectorate
Fenwick Solar Farm development consent decision announced
The Fenwick Solar Farm DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Roads18 Feb 2026Department for Transport
4,500 new homes and jobs in Lincolnshire thanks to new government-backed road
The £110 million investment in the North Hykeham Relief Road will also mean faster journeys and less congestion for people across Lincoln and Lincolnshire.
- Railways17 Feb 2026GOV.UK
Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment
A generational UK Government commitment to modernise Welsh rail is set to support 12,000 jobs across Wales.
- Planning & compulsory purchase13 Feb 2026Planning Inspectorate
Enforcement appeals coming to the Appeal a planning decision service
Appellants and planning agents can soon submit enforcement appeals through the Planning Inspectorate's new digital service.
- Planning & compulsory purchase10 Feb 2026Planning Inspectorate
Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind (Generating Station) development consent decision announced
The Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind (Generating Station) DCO application has been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Planning & compulsory purchase6 Feb 2026Planning Inspectorate
Applications now open for local plan inspector roles
The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting chartered professionals from the built environment and related fields to become local plan inspectors. Applications close on 22 February 2026.
- Roads4 Feb 2026Planning Inspectorate
A46 Coventry Junctions (Walsgrave) development consent decision announced
The A46 Coventry Junctions (Walsgrave) application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Transport.
- Railways30 Jan 2026Department for Transport
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services return to public ownership
From 1 February 2026, passengers who travel with London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway will benefit from reliable and better-connected services.
- Railways27 Jan 2026Department for Transport
Major milestone for HS2 as tunnelling to Euston starts
Taking the HS2 railway into central London is crucial to unlocking its full potential to create more jobs, more homes and to boost the British economy.
- Airports20 Jan 2026Department for Transport
£43 million boost for green aviation to drive growth, jobs and cleaner flights
The funding will go towards UK research and development projects that help deliver net zero aviation by 2050.
- Airports15 Jan 2026Department for Transport
New Aviation Ambassadors announced to inspire future pilots, engineers and air traffic controllers
Our 10 new Aviation Ambassadors will help encourage more young people to see the UK aviation sector as a place where they can build rewarding, long-term futures.
- Railways14 Jan 2026Department for Transport
North West to benefit from multi-billion-pound rail investment
Major rail plans will unlock North West's economic potential, including a new rail route between Liverpool and Manchester and improved connections across the region.
- Roads11 Jan 2026Department for Transport
How well is your council fixing your roads?
New map rates how record government pothole funding is being used.
- Planning & compulsory purchase17 Dec 2025Planning Inspectorate
Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm development consent decision announced
The Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Planning & compulsory purchase17 Dec 2025Planning Inspectorate
Sevington Inland Border Facility Crown development application given approval
The Sevington Inland Border Facility Crown development application has today been given approval by the Planning Inspectorate.
- Planning & compulsory purchase17 Dec 2025Planning Inspectorate
Webinar recording available: Getting started with 'Manage your appeals' digital service
The Planning Inspectorate held a webinar on 9 December 2025 to help local planning authorities (LPAs) get the most from the new 'Manage your appeals' digital service, which completed its nationwide rollout on 1 December 2025.
- Airports12 Dec 2025Department for Transport
Young people encouraged to Reach for the Sky as government announces £750,000 to create the next generation of aviators
Funding ensures young people from all backgrounds can learn about the varied, highly skilled jobs and future opportunities in aviation across the UK.
- Railways8 Dec 2025Department for Transport
All change: The future of British trains arrives as government reforms broken railways
With fares frozen, a bold new look and fundamental reforms becoming law, government is building a railway Britain can rely on and be proud of.
- Roads4 Dec 2025Department for Transport
Next step on the UK rollout of self-driving vehicles as public, charities and businesses asked for their views
Have your say on the framework that will ensure self-driving technology is safely introduced on Britain's roads.
- Railways4 Dec 2025Department for Transport
All aboard for Cardiff Central Station transformation
The transformed station will improve links between Wales and the rest of the UK, breaking down barriers to travel and jobs.
- Planning & compulsory purchase3 Dec 2025Planning Inspectorate
Helios Renewable Energy Project development consent decision announced
The Helios Renewable Energy Project DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Planning & compulsory purchase1 Dec 2025Planning Inspectorate
Morecambe Offshore Windfarm Generation Assets DCO decision
The Morecambe Offshore Windfarm Generation Assets DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Airports25 Nov 2025Department for Transport
Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway proposal will be basis for expansion
Decisive action on third runway to support trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs.
- Railways19 Nov 2025Department for Transport
East West Rail unveils next phase for Oxford-Cambridge growth
East West Rail confirms next phase of construction, boosting Oxford-Cambridge links with more frequent trains, new stations and major economic growth.
- Airports17 Nov 2025Department for Transport
Simpler train travel to London airports as tap-in, tap-out expanded across south-east England
Buying tickets will be more convenient, more accessible and more flexible, ensuring passengers can get the best fares.
- Railways7 Nov 2025Department for Transport
Transport Secretary meets Huntingdon attack rail staff and first responders
Quick thinking and selfless responses undoubtedly saved lives.
- Planning & compulsory purchase5 Nov 2025Planning Inspectorate
Cory Decarbonisation Project development consent decision announced
The Cory Decarbonisation Project DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Railways4 Nov 2025Department for Transport
Journey to Great British Railways gathers steam with landmark legislation
Bill includes fare and ticketing reform and a strengthened passenger watchdog to create a better, more inclusive railway for all.
- Planning & compulsory purchase3 Nov 2025Planning Inspectorate
Working together to make improvements for all
Stakeholder feedback is continuing to help guide development and improvement for the Planning Inspectorate.
- Airports30 Oct 2025Department for Transport
Major Vietnamese investment announced to boost British aerospace sector
Wings for 100 aircraft for Vietjet will be designed in Bristol and made in North Wales, supporting thousands of jobs and boosting the UK's economy.
- Railways27 Oct 2025Department for Transport
New Beaulieu Park station pulls in ahead of schedule thanks to £141 million government investment
New station will unlock thousands of new houses and create over 2,000 jobs in the East of England.
- Planning & compulsory purchase23 Oct 2025Planning Inspectorate
Stonestreet Green Solar development consent decision announced
The Stonestreet Green Solar DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Planning & compulsory purchase13 Oct 2025Planning Inspectorate
Tillbridge Solar Project development consent decision announced
The Tillbridge Solar Project DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Railways9 Oct 2025Department for Transport
Half of rail operators publicly owned with Greater Anglia onboard
Greater Anglia's rail services will become the third to enter public ownership on Sunday 12 October 2025.
- Roads1 Oct 2025Planning Inspectorate
A46 Newark Bypass development consent decision announced
The A46 Newark Bypass application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.
- Airports22 Sept 2025Planning Inspectorate
Gatwick Airport Northern Runway development consent decision announced
The Gatwick Airport Northern Runway application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.
- Railways15 Sept 2025Department for Transport
New look, same message: ‘See it. Say it. Sorted’
New design makes the British Transport Police’s 61016 number clearer plus additional funding for CCTV at railway stations.
- Planning & compulsory purchase8 Sept 2025Planning Inspectorate
M60/M62/M66 Simister Island development consent decision announced
The M62/M60/M62 Simister Island application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Transport.
- Railways2 Sept 2025Department for Transport
£5 million of government funding for 26 innovative rail projects to boost passenger experience
Winning projects focus on improving safety on rail platforms and enhancing passenger safety across the UK.
- Planning & compulsory purchase29 Aug 2025Planning Inspectorate
Morgan Offshore Wind Project Generation Assets development consent decision announced
The Morgan Offshore Wind Project Generation Assets application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Railways29 Jul 2025Department for Transport
First-time buyers to benefit from 40,000 new homes on brownfield railway land
Neighbourhoods in Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Cambridge will be transformed with homes, green spaces, shops and hotels.
- Trams & metro29 Jul 2025Department for Transport
Mayors and Ministers back British manufacturers and greener buses
Government ministers and metro mayors commit to greener transport and greater job opportunities across the regions.
- Planning & compulsory purchase23 Jul 2025Planning Inspectorate
Byers Gill Solar development consent decision announced
The Byers Gill Solar application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Airports21 Jul 2025Department for Transport
£63 million lift-off for clean aviation fuels
Winning 17 companies will share £63 million to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and support 1,400 jobs in the UK.
- Airports15 Jul 2025Department for Transport
Flying to become more accessible as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson sets out key recommendations for aviation industry
The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group will push recommendations forward to provide a better passenger experience for disabled people.
- Railways8 Jul 2025Department for Transport
Green light for over 50 road and rail upgrades supporting over 39,000 new homes and 42,000 jobs
Commuters and businesses to benefit from quicker journeys as more than 50 road and rail upgrades are agreed.
- Planning & compulsory purchase4 Jul 2025Planning Inspectorate
Mona Offshore Wind Farm development consent decision announced
The Mona Offshore Wind Farm application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Planning portals and local plan maps
Individual planning applications live with each local authority. Every UK local planning authority is listed below — England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Use these searches to see what has been applied for near you and, where a council publishes one, the interactive policies, local plan or call-for-sites map showing land put forward for future development.
362 of 362 authorities
North West
Blackburn with Darwen Council
North West
Blackpool Council
North West
Bolton Council
North West
Burnley Borough Council
North West
Bury Council
North West
Cheshire East Council
Site submissions
Site submissions map shows land put forward for development, layer by layer.
North West
Cheshire West and Chester Council
North West
Chorley Council
North West
Cumberland Council
North West
Fylde Council
North West
Halton Borough Council
North West
Hyndburn Borough Council
North West
Knowsley Council
North West
Lancaster City Council
North West
Liverpool City Council
North West
Manchester City Council
North West
Oldham Council
North West
Pendle Borough Council
North West
Preston City Council
North West
Ribble Valley Borough Council
Call for sites
Call for sites map showing land landowners have put forward for development.
North West
Rochdale Borough Council
North West
Rossendale Borough Council
North West
Salford City Council
North West
Sefton Council
North West
South Ribble Borough Council
North West
St Helens Borough Council
North West
Stockport Council
North West
Tameside Council
North West
Trafford Council
North West
Warrington Borough Council
North West
West Lancashire Borough Council
North West
Westmorland and Furness Council
Call for sites
Call for sites map showing land landowners have put forward for development.
North West
Wigan Council
North West
Wirral Council
North West
Wyre Council
North East & Yorkshire
Barnsley Council
North East & Yorkshire
Bradford Council
North East & Yorkshire
Calderdale Council
Policies map
Interactive policies map showing where Local Plan and neighbourhood plan policies apply.
North East & Yorkshire
City of York Council
Policies map
Interactive adopted local plan policies map.
North East & Yorkshire
County Durham Council
North East & Yorkshire
Darlington Borough Council
North East & Yorkshire
Doncaster Council
North East & Yorkshire
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
North East & Yorkshire
Gateshead Council
North East & Yorkshire
Hartlepool Borough Council
North East & Yorkshire
Hull City Council
North East & Yorkshire
Kirklees Council
North East & Yorkshire
Leeds City Council
North East & Yorkshire
Middlesbrough Council
North East & Yorkshire
Newcastle City Council
North East & Yorkshire
North East Lincolnshire Council
North East & Yorkshire
North Lincolnshire Council
North East & Yorkshire
North Tyneside Council
North East & Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Council
North East & Yorkshire
Northumberland County Council
North East & Yorkshire
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
North East & Yorkshire
Rotherham Council
Land availability
Land availability assessment (HELAA/SHELAA) map of sites assessed for future development.
North East & Yorkshire
Sheffield City Council
North East & Yorkshire
South Tyneside Council
North East & Yorkshire
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Spotted a scheme that affects your home?
A Part 1 claim can only be made once the works have been in use for a year, and it must be made within six years of that date. Check your eligibility, or ask the AI assistant whether a particular scheme is likely to qualify. Professional fees on a successful claim are paid by the acquiring authority under Ryde's Scale.