Morning, Friday, 16th October 2026
Online
This conference will focus on next steps for the planning system in England.
With proposed changes to the draft National Planning Policy Framework and measures in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, areas for discussion include implementation of reform to national policy and the local planning system, including housing delivery, and the development of spatial development strategies and local plans. The planned agenda will also consider the capacity of planning authorities and the integration of design, infrastructure, and environmental objectives.
Proposed reform, Spatial Development Strategies & Gateway process
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss the working in practice of the proposed framework for reform, and where further clarity, coordination, or adjustment may be needed. This will include a focus on the interaction between spatial development strategies and local plans, the resourcing and capacity of planning authorities, and the operation of the proposed timetable and Gateway process for plan preparation.
Delegates will consider the practical introduction of SDS and their relationship with local plans, including questions relating to remit, funding, and the role of higher-density development - alongside making more effective use of land in the revised NPPF. Further discussion will assess practicalities involved in the operation of the proposed local plan system, including the Gateway process, consultation requirements, and the feasibility of the proposed 30-month timetable for plan preparation.
Housing mix & practical delivery
Attendees will also consider how proposed reform can best be developed to support housebuilding ambitions, and take into account considerations for stakeholders across the development sector. Discussion is expected on options for a Brownfield Passport, priorities for the New Homes Accelerator, implications for small and medium sites and SME housebuilders, and priorities for securing a diverse mix of housing - including affordable homes in rural areas and accessible homes - through national policy, local plans, and SDS.
Governance & coordination
Further discussion is expected on implications of devolution and local government reorganisation for planning powers, capacity, and continuity, with consideration of the future role of strategic authorities and coordination with developers, infrastructure providers, and communities. Attendees will assess the potential evolution of responsibilities between strategic and local planning authorities, including priorities for aligning housing, infrastructure, and economic development planning across wider areas.
Design & environmental issues
The agenda will also look at the way forward for embedding design, placemaking, sustainability, and nature recovery within the reformed system. This includes implementation of the Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance, the operation of the Nature Restoration Fund and Environmental Delivery Plans, and the effective integration of Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and local nature recovery priorities into development and land management.
Overview of areas for discussion
- reform: draft NPPF and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill - coordination between national policy, SDSs, and local plans
- strategic planning: remit, funding, and preparation of SDSs - alignment with local plans, higher-density development and effective use of land - engagement with developers and communities
- local plans: operation of the new local plan development system - Gateway process, evidence and consultation stages - feasibility of the proposed 30-month timetable for plan preparation
- housing delivery: implications of reform for housebuilding targets - role of a Brownfield Passport and the New Homes Accelerator - development on small and medium sites and SME housebuilders
- housing mix: reflecting housing needs in national policy, local plans, and SDS - affordable homes in rural areas - accessible homes and wider diversity of provision
- devolution & capacity: role of strategic authorities and new unitary structures - planning continuity during reorganisation - upskilling and development for strategic planning
- design & placemaking: implementing the Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance - heritage assets, town centres, and amenities - climate resilience, sustainability, and quality of design
- nature & development: the Nature Restoration Fund and BNG requirements - EFPs and developer certainty - coordination with farmers, rural landowners, and environmental NGOs
