Every four years, county council elections roll around—quietly, without the fanfare of a general election or the fierce localism of district polls. They often slip under the radar. But beneath the surface, these elections are anything but dull. They set the course for major decisions that shape planning, development and infrastructure.

Here are just a few reasons why those of us working in the built environment should take notice of what happens on 1st May…

Local government reorganisation – a turning point

Across England, local governments are undergoing a transformation. Central government is pushing forward with local government reorganisation and devolution, aiming to replace the traditional county and district council structure with unitary authorities where they don’t already exist. Mayoral strategic authorities are on the cards too, whereby two or more unitary authorities join together, giving elected mayors unprecedented powers to drive growth, turbocharge housebuilding and improve transport.

The upcoming county council elections are not just about who sits in office; they will determine how this reorganisation takes effect. Take Hertfordshire, for example. As a district councillor there, I’ve seen firsthand how this debate is playing out. Conservative-controlled Hertfordshire County Council is pushing for a single unitary authority covering the entire county. Meanwhile, the ten district councils prefer multiple smaller authorities. A change in political control at the county level could shift the entire direction of this restructuring and local policies which follow for decades to come.

Unitary authorities – the decision-makers in planning

Unlike county councils operating in a two tier system, unitary authorities have full control over local planning matters and several of them are holding elections this year. These elections will influence local plan progress, planning committee memberships and the pace of development.

Some areas are undergoing a different sort of structural change. Buckinghamshire, Durham and West Northamptonshire are all heading to the polls with reduced seat numbers and revised ward boundaries. In Buckinghamshire, where a new local plan is in progress, a change in political leadership could lead to policy shifts, delays or a complete rethink of development priorities.

A preview of future elections – the shape of things to come

These elections aren’t just important for today’s decisions—they set the tone for what’s ahead. They act as a precursor to next year’s local elections and a political temperature check one year after the general election.

Labour’s performance will be under scrutiny—especially given the gloomy economic backdrop. A weak showing could trigger pressure from within the party to slow down proposed welfare reforms or rethink their growth strategy. But it’s the Conservatives who stand to lose the most this time around. The latest polling suggests they could lose control of nine councils and nearly half their seats, with many voters shifting their support to Reform UK.

Why this matters

These elections might not dominate the news headlines, but their impact is real. They shape planning policies, determine the speed of development and influence where investment flows. For anyone in the sector—or anyone who cares about the future of their local community—this is not just political background noise.

The choices made in these elections will directly affect local governance, planning and public services. Paying attention now will lead to a better understanding of community priorities and the path for new development in those areas.