Catch-Up
27 Apr 2026
Online
free

LI Insight: Positive Energy – Shaping Energy Infrastructure

As the UK undergoes a positive energy revolution driven by decarbonisation and renewables, this online event demonstrates how landscape professionals can influence infrastructure projects across their entire lifecycle.

This insight recording tracks the process from early strategic involvement and consultation through to design evolution, assessment, examination and post-consent construction. While primarily focused on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) in England, there is reference to the distinct consenting regimes in Wales and Scotland.

Key Learning Themes:

Engagement and Policy: The role of National Policy Statements and changes to the requirement to consult
Design Evolution: Using LVIA as a tool to inform site planning, mitigation, good design, stewardship and securing project parameters.
Examination Insights: Understanding how landscape and design evidence is considered during the DCO examination process.
Post-Consent Delivery: Managing the transition from approved parameters and design approach to final buildable assets.

This entry-level insight recording assumes a basic level of knowledge of the NSIP consenting regime.

It is designed for landscape and wider professionals involved with / interested in energy infrastructure projects, including local authority officers, infrastructure developers and their teams and statutory and non-statutory consultees.

Speaker

Annie Coombs, Chair, Places Matter/Design North West

Annie is a Fellow of the LI. She is a chair of the Northwest’s independent design panel, a Design Council Ambassador, an appointable person examining NSIPs; previously an IPC Commissioner, a deputy-chair of HS2’s design panel and managing director of an Asian environmental consultancy involved in major infrastructure projects.

Ian Houlston, Director, LDA Design

Ian has over 25 years’ experience in landscape and environmental planning and has developed expertise in synthesising cultural and natural considerations to inform the planning and design of new development and infrastructure. He has a special interest in protected landscapes, the historic environment and optimising ecosystem services through good planning and design.

Julian Boswall, Partner, Burges Salmon LLP

Julian is a solicitor and partner with Burges Salmon LLP. He has advised on numerous large scale energy projects including solar, onshore wind, offshore wind, gas, gas storage, pumped hydro, CO2 pipelines and nuclear. He specialises in NSIP applications under the Planning Act 2008. His team has secured 26 DCOs to date. He is a Board member of the National Infrastructure Planning Association which promotes learning and best practice for major infrastructure consenting, particularly for NSIPs. Julian advised two projects which won the NIPA ‘Best Project’ award (in 2023 and 2024) for innovation and best practice.

Nicholas Newton, Principal Landscape and Arboriculture Officer, East Suffolk Council

Nicholas previously worked in landscape reclamation, forestry, woodland management, arboriculture, landscape planning, garden design, landscape management, and most recently on six NSIPs with a seventh in initial consultation. He currently leads the landscape and arboriculture team at East Suffolk Council.