27th November : 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
The Westminster government has embarked on what it has referred to as the biggest changes to English planning in a generation. This has been motivated by the government’s desire to deliver its economic growth mission, and a target of 1.5m new homes.
Planning has also been described by some, rather mischievously, as a ‘system without a purpose’. But many, including the TCPA, argue that the planning system can be transformational. So, what should the purpose of the planning system be? What is the role of local democracy and communities in planning? And how can the tension between economic growth and development and protecting the environment be managed?
The final session will look at planning reform, including ongoing legislative changes and implementation of previous initiatives. In this session we will explore how planners and plan-makers can move forwards over the next year in spite of uncertainty.
We are grateful for the support of Greenbelt Group and LDA Design.
| 10:00-10:30 | Registration and Networking |
| 10:30 | Welcome and introduction from the Chair Andrew Pritchard, TCPA Chair |
| 10:35 | Panel 1: What is the purpose of planning? Frazer Osment, LDA Design Rose Grayston, Independent Advisor Yvonne Rydin, UCL Followed by panel discussion and audience Q&A |
| 11:25 | Case Study Session 1: Communities as an essential ingredient in planning and sustainable development Developing Community-led development at scale in Frome – the Mayday Saxonvale project Paul Oster, Director, Mayday Audience Q&A |
| 11:50 | Case study session 2: Managing nature recovery and green spaces for all Managing green spaces for long-term success Robin Waddell, Greenbelt Group Delivering the Enfield Chase Landscape Recovery Programme, a DEFRA pilot for environmental land management Ian Russell, Principal Watercourses Engineer, Enfield Council Publishing a front runner local nature recovery strategy – lessons from Northamptonshire Andra Stopforth, BNG and LNRS Lead Officer, North Northamptonshire Council Audience Q&A |
| 12:30-13:25 | Lunch and networking |
The government has repeatedly argued that the environment has been a barrier to its aims for economic growth. Nature recovery and climate adaptation are at the forefront of government policy frameworks, so, how can planning and development manage growth while protecting the environment in the long-term? This session explores these tensions at a national level.
| 13:30 | Welcome back from the Chair Fiona Howie, TCPA |
| 13:35 | Afternoon keynote: What the proposals in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill mean in practice for the environment and planning Alex Goodman KC, Landmark Chambers |
| 14:00 | Audience Q&A |
Faced with multiple changes to English planning policy and structures, many councils are wondering whether to delay their Local Plans. Our final session will consider the latest planning reform updates from the Chief Planner, and then look in more detail at how local planning authorities should approach the next year, with speakers from PAS and the Local Government Association setting out the challenges and opportunities.
| 14:10 | Planning reform – an update Joanna Averley, Chief Planner, MHCLG |
| 14:25 | Audience Q&A |
| 14:40 | Panel 2: How should local planning authorities approach the next year? Anna Rose, Head of the Planning Advisory Service Georgina Brightwell, Senior Policy Advisor, Housing Planning and Homelessness, Local Government Association |
| 15:10 | Audience Q&A Chair: Hugh Ellis, TCPA |
| 15:30 | Final remarks from the Chair |
Agenda subject to change
Book now to secure your place as places are limited – last few tickets remaining.
Check to see if you are part of a New Communities Group (NCG) or TCPA member organisation
Concessions tickets for community groups
If you are part of a small community group and could not afford to attend otherwise, we have a number of concessionary tickets available at a reduced rate, at the discretion of the TCPA. Please email jeanette.aves@tcpa.org.uk to see if you are eligible.
We want our events to be accessible, welcoming and engaging for everyone. This includes supporting any access, religious or dietary requirements. See the documents below for more details.
