Agenda
Explore climate resilience, housing, policy, AI and sustainability
The Agenda
The National Planning Conference brings together policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals to tackle the most pressing challenges shaping planning and development today.
This year’s agenda focuses on climate resilience and sustainability, balancing housing delivery with affordability, and ensuring future-ready infrastructure and transport networks that support both economic growth and low-carbon solutions.
Get ready for a dynamic programme featuring high-profile speakers, expert-led panels, and forward-thinking discussions that reflect the evolving planning landscape.Secure your place today to be part of the conversations shaping the future of the built environment.
National Planning
Conference Agenda
Registration and networking
8:00 - 8.45
Kickstart your day with us by collecting your badge and enjoying a light breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and pastries. Take this opportunity to connect with other attendees before the National Planning Conference officially begins.
From policy to practice - The impact of recent planning reform
This session will explore recent updates to planning legislation and the NPPF, focusing on how the reforms are being implemented in practice.
9:00 - 9.15, Stage 1
Speakers:
Director of Planning
The Scottish Government
Chief Planner
Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government
AI, digitisation, and a more connected built environment
Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping planning decisions, the role of the golden thread of data, and why cross-sector collaboration is vital to a smarter planning system. We’ll also explore key challenges in adopting digital transformation.
10.00 - 10.40, Stage 1
Speakers:
Founder & CEO
Digital Task Force for Planning
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CTO
TerraQuest & Planning Portal
Principle Partner
TX Impact
Founder and CEO
Yeme Tech
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Bridging the gap to turn targets into affordable housing delivery
We’ll assess progress toward the 1.5 million homes target, explore how to make affordable housing viable for all stakeholders, and discuss unlocking land and stalled sites while balancing urban density and suburban growth.
11:00 - 11.40, Stage 1
Speakers:
Director of planning Consultancy
Be First
Building our future:
Navigating the impact of environmental legislation
This panel will discuss the impact of policies like Biodiversity Net Gain and nutrient neutrality, how to address green belt constraints, and the integration of climate goals into planning for net zero.
11:45 - 12.25, Stage 1
Speakers:
Founder
Gbolade Design Studio
CEO
Joe's Blooms
Strategic Planning Advisor
Pinsent Masons
Sponsor
Building community support for infrastructure for sustainable communities
This session will highlight the critical role of renewable energy, transport and utilities in enabling housing delivery, explore innovative funding models, examine the evolving NSIPs regime, and showcase how collaboration can drive progress.
Speakers:
Onshore Consent Manager
RWE
Director of Transport and Infrastructure
Stantec
Opportunities and challenges for the Government's new towns initiative
How will new towns contribute to the national housing targets? Learn from past, what succeeded and what didn’t, and what this means for delivering the next generation of sustainable, well-planned communities.
12.30 - 13.10, Stage 1
Speakers:
Leader for large scale growth and regeneration
Homes England
Chair of Planning
University of Hertfordshire
Devolution, regional development and the power of combined authorities
Explore how devolved powers and combined authorities are transforming regional development. From metro mayors leading housing and infrastructure strategies to councils working together to accelerate delivery, explore how local collaboration is driving meaningful, place-based change aligned with national priorities. Learn how to overcome barriers to cross-council planning and unlock the full potential of devolved governance.
Sponsor
Reforming planning:
progress, performance, and potential
This session will examine how to streamline decision-making by reducing bottlenecks, address ongoing capacity challenges within local authorities, and reflect on positive changes seen since recent planning reforms.
11.00 - 11.25, Stage 2
Speakers:
National Planning Improvement Champion
Improvement Service
Editor
The Planner
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Exploring Building Safety Regulations with Dame Judith Hackitt
Join Dame Judith Hackett and RTPI Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Hills for an exclusive Q&A session on evolving Building Safety regulations.
11.30 - 12.00, Stage 2
Speakers:
British engineer
Civil servant
CEO
RTPI
Building prosperity through housing and planning
This session explores the critical relationship between housing delivery and economic growth in regional cities. Drawing on real-world examples and research, speakers will examine how planning, investment, and policy must align to unlock productivity, prosperity, and place-based outcomes.
12.15 - 13.00, Stage 2
Speakers:
Head of English Regions and Wales
Iceni Projects
Sponsor
Tackling the housing emergency in regional cities
This session explores the critical relationship between housing delivery and economic growth in regional cities. Drawing on real-world examples and research, speakers will examine how planning, investment, and policy must align to unlock productivity, prosperity, and place-based outcomes.
The greybelt debate:
Exploring the impact of land categorisation on development viability
14.50 - 15.20, Stage 2
We’ll explore how land classification influences planning decisions, assess the viability and permissions impacted by land categorisation, and consider current government policies on land use. The panel will also discuss how to unlock land for development while balancing environmental protection and economic growth.
Speakers:
Head of Technical Services
TerraQuest & Planning Portal
Head of Planning
Marrons
Interim Chief Planning Inspector
The Planning Inspectorate
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UK Planning Director
Taylor Wimpey plc
Responding to the New Era of Strategic Planning
Strategic planning, new towns, digital innovation, and delivery are firmly back on the Government’s agenda, placing planning at the centre of national priorities. But is the sector ready to meet the moment, and how should planners respond?
15.55 - 16.45, Stage 1
Speakers:
Director
Priors and Partners
Director
Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government
Founder & CEO
Digital Task Force for Planning
Founder and CEO
Public Practice
Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring?
Sponsoring our event is a unique opportunity to elevate your brand, connect with key industry leaders, and demonstrate your commitment to innovation and growth. As a sponsor, you will gain valuable exposure to a highly engaged audience, positioning your company as a key thought leader in the field.
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