What is the Business West Planning, Transport and Climate Change Group?

In an era of rapid urban transformation and climate urgency, the built environment has become a focal point for regional prosperity. The decisions made today regarding infrastructure projects, transport networks, and sustainability initiatives will have lasting consequences for everyone who lives and works in the region. To address this, Business West hosts the Planning, Transport and Climate Change Group (PTCC), a strategic forum that brings together senior representatives from both the private and public sectors.

The PTCC is organised and run by the Bristol Initiative and is supported by Business West’s Policy Team. The group is chaired by Emma Harling-Phillips, Partner, Planning at Womble Bond Dickinson, and Jonathan Foster-Clark, Director, Transportation at AtkinsRéalis, whose combined expertise helps guide discussions and ensure relevance to the business community.

Meeting bi-monthly and open to all Business West members, the group explores the complex and interconnected challenges of urban development, transport infrastructure, and environmental sustainability across Bristol and the wider West of England region.

The strategic importance of the group's work  

The PTCC operates at a critical juncture for Bristol and the West of England. With Bristol's continued growth as an economic hub and the increasing urgency of climate action, the region faces complex challenges that require coordinated solutions. The Planning, Transport and Climate Change Group provides a unique platform where these multidimensional issues can be examined and discussed holistically.

On planning matters, the group monitors major development proposals that could reshape the city's landscape, from large-scale regeneration projects to new developments. With transport we keep the group up to date on all the changes in the region and long-term strategic planning, including the integration of emerging sustainable transport solutions. Climate change considerations permeate all discussions, reflecting the growing recognition that environmental resilience must be embedded in every aspect of urban development.

This integrated approach ensures that decisions made in one sector account for potential impacts on others. For instance, presentations on planned construction work will almost always examine the sustainability of proposed developments. This is increasingly vital as the region works towards its net-zero ambitions while growing its economic competitiveness.  

Recent discussions and key insights  

The 2025 programme so far has featured several high-profile discussions with leaders of major regional projects. These sessions have provided members with insights into transformative initiatives while allowing for direct input into their development.  

In July we highlighted two of Bristol's major regeneration projects. Clem Teagle, Head of Communications and Engagement at Bristol Temple Quarter updated the group on the redevelopment of St Philip's Marsh, talking about their recent public engagement and plans for further action. Discussions focused on the competing needs of balancing industrial, green and residential spaces, and preserving existing businesses. Emily Price, Regeneration Manager at Bristol City Council, then detailed progress on the Western Harbour project, covering proposed developments, infrastructure, and integrating flood defences into the designs.

The May session saw Tom Lydon, Head of Public Affairs at Great Western Railway (GWR) present their regional rail improvement plans, including timetable and station upgrades, and discussed post-pandemic travel patterns. Kate Royston from SevernNet and Barrie Thomas from CR Plus presented on the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan as part of the West of England Industrial Cluster, which sets out a collaborative roadmap to achieve Net Zero by 2040, targeting 7 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually through clean energy, carbon capture, circular economy, and alternative fuels.

The March session addressed two critical infrastructure themes. Matthew Sugden, Flood Risk Officer at Bristol City Council & Shaun Hartley, Project Director for the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy at Arup presented the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy. They outlined a long-term, adaptive plan to protect over 3,000 properties from tidal flooding, enabling regeneration, active travel, and carbon savings, with £8.7bn in projected regional benefits. A separate update from Cllr Ed Plowden shared progress on key transport initiatives, including improving walking, cycling, and public transport infrastructure to support economic growth, alongside goals to boost health and sustainability.

The year began with forward-looking perspectives from two major regional stakeholders. Matthew Sharp from Bristol Airport outlined their Masterplan Consultation with the aim to increase capacity from 12 to 15 million passengers per year by 2036, with major upgrades to terminals and transport links. Then Hydrogen South West Director David Eccles explored the region’s potential as a hydrogen innovation hub, discussing pilot projects, investment opportunities, and the role of alternative fuels in meeting net-zero targets.

Looking ahead 

As Bristol and the surrounding region face escalating challenges from climate change, housing demands, and transport system pressures, the need for informed, collaborative problem-solving has never been greater. The Planning, Transport and Climate Change Group is well-positioned to feed into the plans and policies that will shape Bristol’s future. 

The value of participation

Active involvement in the Planning, Transport and Climate Change Group offers Business West member businesses multiple benefits:

Influence and intelligence

Members gain early visibility of emerging plans and policies that could affect their operations. The group provides a direct channel to voice concerns or suggestions to public bodies and project teams at formative stages, when adjustments could still be made.

Networking and collaboration

The meetings facilitate connections between organisations facing similar challenges or pursuing complementary objectives. The cross-sector nature of the group encourages innovative thinking that transcends traditional industry boundaries.

How your business can get involved

The Planning, Transport and Climate Change Group is open to all members of Business West. While the focus is primarily on Bristol, we know many member businesses will have multiple locations or may live in Bristol and work in Bath, so members from our other Chambers are also able to attend. The meetings are bi-monthly, and published in Business West’s membership newsletters. Our next meeting at time of writing will be in September so keep an eye on your inbox for the next issue of Chamber Insights or the Bristol Initiative Newsletter.

Not a member yet?

Join Business West and enjoy dedicated business support, access to our vast network and other exclusive benefits. Access vital support, raise your profile, and shape the region’s future as a business hub. Choose a membership option that suits your goals and help make our region the best place to live, learn and work.