Hannah David (Chair) – Planning Futures; Brett Leahy – LB Redbridge; Andrew Taylor – Countryside Properties; Philip Smith – LUC. 

Due to Covid-19, the property sector is experiencing a time of profound crisis.  It may take some time for the industry to fully understand the medium to long-term consequences of this.  However, the country’s future needs, in terms of development, remain – not least, with regards to housing delivery.

It has been encouraging to see public and private sector stakeholders continue to work together to keep the planning system moving.  However, it would be unreasonable to expect the planning system to move seamlessly online in a matter of weeks without any difficulty.

This event brings together key experts from local government and the private sector to discuss what has worked well – in addition to some of the difficulties faced by all stakeholders in keeping the decision-making process on track.

As the country has been launched into an experiment in remote decision making, the event will be an opportunity to share experiences of what has worked well and how to continue working constructively with local authorities whilst social distancing remains the norm in the coming months.