This means there is a risk of delays to urgently needed new infrastructure.
The study, Strategic Planning for Healthcare Estates, highlights a mismatch between national ambitions and local policy. Of the 88 local plans adopted since March 2020, only 63% contain a strategic objective to improve health or healthcare, while just 26% include site-specific policies or allocations for new health facilities.
This indicates that some projects in the development pipeline, including those in the Government’s New Hospitals Programme, may progress without a fully up-to-date planning status or site designation.
The findings come as national policy and funding create opportunities to modernise the healthcare estate. The revised National Planning Policy Framework, published in December 2024, references ‘health’ or ‘healthier’ 39 times, highlighting the consideration of health outcomes in planning decisions.
In addition, the 2025 Spending Review confirmed a £4 bn increase to the Department of Health and Social Care’s annual capital budget and allocated £30 bn over the next five years for NHS estate maintenance and modernisation, including the planned removal of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) by 2035.
Robert Dibden, Planning director at Lichfields, said: “With this level of health capital investment now in place, timely delivery remains a key focus. Our research shows that some local plans are not fully aligned with this policy and investment environment. Strengthening the connection between health infrastructure strategies and planning frameworks can support the effective delivery of new hospitals and community health facilities.”
The report also highlights 2026 as a key year for plan-making, as local planning authorities update evidence bases and consult on new allocations in line with higher national development targets.
Robert Dibden added: “Next year will be important as local authorities progress new local plans. Health trusts have the opportunity to engage early, helping to integrate proposals into statutory plans, reduce delivery risks, and support timely implementation of healthcare infrastructure projects for communities.”
Lichfields is currently advising on projects such as Berwick Community Hospital, expected to open in 2026, and the redevelopment of Leeds General Infirmary (pictured), planned between 2030 and 2035 – both examples where alignment between planning and health strategy is important.