The freight and logistics sector plays a critical role in the UK, both in terms of supporting the UK supply chain and being a key pillar to the UK economy. In 2021 the Logistics Report Summary identified that the logistics sector "contributes £127 billion Gross Value Added to the UK economy." 

In recent years there have been numerous challenges which has had to see the sector adapt. From the reduction in drivers and long delays caused by Brexit to changes in consumer behaviours following Covid-19 and the challenges which the Russia-Ukraine war has brought. 

In June 2022, the government published 'The Future of Freight: a long-term plan' ("FoF"). It identifies that:

 'a disconnect exists between industry, that is not equipped to properly engage with planning processes, and local planning authorities, that are unable to understand the needs of a changing an innovative freight and logistics sector.'

The FoF goes on to set out a goal for the planning system and actions which the government and industry will take to achieve such goal. One of the actions is to publish a 'call for evidence to understand what is working well and what requires improvement in planning.' On 4th July 2023 the government published a consultation focusing on how the planning system can improve and grow in order to support freight and logistics throughout England. 

The consultation raises 10 questions which fall within the following three categories:

• local plan making and land availability
• planning decision taking and the applications process
• how the planning system can support specific policy priorities

The consultation runs until 6 October 2023 and can be accessed by the following link -

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/freight-and-logistics-and-the-planning-system-call-for-evidence/freight-logistics-and-the-planning-system-call-for-evidence