Hannah David (Chair) – Planning Futures; Victoria Hills (Chief Exec, RTPI); Brett Leahy (Head of Planning and Building Control, LB Redbridge); Anna Rose (Head, PAS)

2020 was a year of change for the planning and housing sector. In January, few would have predicted that home working would become the norm, or that the entire planning process would move online within weeks. However, as we adapted to pre-apps by zoom, and virtual planning committees, the sector continued to deliver at pace.

There was also change in the world of Government policy. Last year saw the stepping down of the long-standing chief planner, Steve Quartermain, and the appointment of his successor, Joanna Averley. A new Minister of State for Housing (and Planning!) arrived in February.

Despite the twin challenges of Brexit and Covid19, several important policy documents emerged from the department, including two consultations – one on the reform of the existing planning system. And one on its replacement.

As the Covid-19 crisis rolls on, and as businesses across the sector acclimatise to the post-Brexit economy, this event looks forward to the year ahead in planning.

Each of our speakers brings a different perspective on the changes in policy that we can expect to see this year, and there impact on planning and the planning profession.

Please e mail for details.