Last week's West Midlands Growth Summit brought together Government, investors, developers and business leaders to set out the next phase of the region's economic growth.

The proposals aim to create a new creative and mixed-use neighbourhood, bringing together homes, businesses and spaces for creative production - building on the success of Digbeth Loc Studios and the BBC’s investment at Typhoo Wharf

Labour’s conference in Liverpool has reinforced the importance of housing, regeneration and devolution. But what did Labour announce, and what does it mean for investors and developers?

Birmingham’s Planning Committee is set to shrink, with national reforms also changing which applications councillors can determine. The Government sees an opportunity for faster, more consistent decision-making. But many of Birmingham’s politicians see a loss of control and accountability.

The pause to local government reorganisation leaves councils and investors across the Midlands to make decisions while the shape of local government over the coming years remains unsettled.

Schools are going back, autumn approaches and the West Midlands is entering the home stretch of 2026. As the final months of the year approach a combination of new investment, expanding regional powers and critical strategic planning processes are all set to reach decisive stages.

New call-in powers could unlock strategic development, but may also add another political layer to a planning system being reformed to reduce delay and discretion.

The Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) significantly rewrites how planning decisions should be made, shifting influence from locally drafted policies to national government.

Developers submitted planning applications for 412,000 homes in England in the year to June 2026, according to Planning Portal. That is 100,000 more than during the previous 12 months and the highest figure for five years. So, what’s the problem?

Last week (Friday 31 July), Andy Burnham's Government unveiled what it described as a fundamental "rewiring of the state", using a unique Cabinet Statement to set out a programme to transfer powers, funding and decision-making from Whitehall to local leaders.

Birmingham City Council's Cabinet has approved its emerging Local Plan for Regulation 19 consultation, marking the final major stage before submission for independent examination.

The Government has confirmed the biggest change to local government in Warwickshire for more than 50 years. What does it mean for planning, regeneration and investment?

Birmingham's first Planning Committee since May's local elections was unlikely to produce dramatic decisions. There were no surprises, but there were several early indicators of how planning decisions could evolve over the coming months.

Andy Burnham's speech in Manchester today will inevitably be analysed through the lens of party politics and leadership. For those working in planning, regeneration and economic development, there is a more interesting story.

This week, the Government revoked planning powers for nine local authorities across England. It means developers can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate, rather than through the local planning authority.

Private sector investment isn’t built on hope. It’s all about risk and too much risk is unattractive. Certainty matters - and its the key to long-term growth.

Leeds delivered its usual dose of positivity and realism - but its now obvious that nothing stacks up and the maths don’t work anymore. What are we going to do about it?

Following May’s local elections, Marca Strategy brought together investors, developers, and leading advisors in Coventry for a roundtable examining the political and investment landscape across the city and the region.

The biggest risk in May’s local elections isn’t the result, it’s the reaction, writes founder and managing director at Marca Strategy, Will Savage. This article originally appeared in Place Midlands on 20 April 2026

Marca Strategy has joined the Centre for New Midlands network, Reimagining the Region. The partnership is based on a shared mission to accelerate growth and spread prosperity across the entire Midlands region.