Have We Got Planning News For You

The New National Planning Policy Framework has been released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. In this timely special, the Have We Got Planning News For You team looks through all the details and key changes within the framework and provides their thoughts on what they mean for the planning sector. Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the week's latest developments by seven barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Charles Banner KC, Victoria Hutton, Christopher Young KC, Melissa Murphy KC and John Litton KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. Visit our website for further resources: ⁠hwgpnfy.com⁠ #HWGPNFY

Our Special Guest this week is Tim Goodwin, Ecologist and Director at Bennu Environmenta l. Tim is one of the leading ecologists in planning well known to members of the planning bar, planning solicitors and planning consultants. Latest News Update on planning related matters. An Appeal Decision for Land west of the Cemetery, London Road in Maldon. The proposed development was for up to 275 residential units including affordable housing, land for a children’s nursery (Class E), 1.8ha of land for an extension to Maldon Cemetery, drainage works, landscaping, vehicular access to the A414, pedestrian/cycle access to Spital Road and London Road, and associated infrastructure works. A Decision of the High Court regarding a renewable energy park involving an array of solar panels, battery storage and associated infrastructure, to be constructed on a 32.5 hectare site at Whiterails Road, Wootton, on the Isle of Wight. A Decision of the Court of Appeal between North Warwickshire Borough Council and the SoS for Transport. The issue surrounded alterations made to the scheme for a 2.9km spur of the HS2 line running through North Warwickshire BC and that it should run in a tunnel rather than on the embankments and a viaduct following the passing of the 2017 Act. Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Stephen Kinsella, Managing Director for the MADE Partnership and also Group Major Projects Director at Barratt Redrow. The MADE Partnership is a master developer and a joint venture between Barratt Redrow PLC, Homes England and Lloyds Banking Group. Previously, Stephen was the Chief Land and Development Officer at Homes England. Latest News Update on planning related matters. A Decision of the High Court regarding the use and development of the northern runway at Gatwick Airport to allow for dual runway operations. Currently, the northern runway is only used when the main runway is unavailable and as a parallel taxiway. An Appeal Decision for the development of ground mounted solar photovoltaic array, with associated infrastructure, security fencing, CCTV, associated cable route, private and DNO substations, landscaping and onsite biodiversity net gain at Land at Lower Wyke. An Appeal Decision for the redevelopment of the Former Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard, Lancashire. The development proposed is the demolition of existing structures and for a residential development of up to 350 homes, a 186.9 sqm community hub, with associated habitat creation, landscaping, open space, parking, footpaths/cycleways, drainage and other infrastructure. Visit our Website: hwgpnfy.com

We experienced some major connectivity issues this week which has unfortunately resulted in some video problems. We've tried to resolve this as best we can in the final edit and apologise for the inconvenience. Our Special Guest this week is Rebecca Phillips, Chief Planning Inspector at the Planning Inspectorate . Rebecca has held the role on an interim basis since March 2025, during which time she has led work to enhance and systemise inspector learning and development. She has also collaborated closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and other stakeholders on significant reforms to the planning system, including the draft new National Planning Policy Framework and new approaches to local and strategic planning. Latest News Update on planning related matters. A High Court Decision between North Somerset District Council and the Secretary of State requesting to allow an appeal by Persimmon Homes to be granted outline planning permission for 190 homes on land at Rectory Farm in Yatton. A High Court Decision involving Thomas Armstrong Aggregates Ltd and the Secretary of State in an application under paragraph 9, Schedule 13 of the Environment Act 1995 (EA 1995). The application concerned a site at High Close Quarry, Plumbland, Cumbria. An Appeal Decision to uphold Thurrock Council’s decision to refuse a request by a housing developer to modify a Section 106 agreement. The developer sought to revise-down education and affordable housing commitments arguing the obligations were impacting on the viability of the scheme. The cases centre of Section 106B of the TCPA 1990 but also raised important procedural issues about the process. Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Jan Bessell , the 2026 President of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Currently a Strategic Planning Adviser at Pinsent Masons, she has worked on a range of planning projects, from community-led initiatives and neighbourhood plans to nationally significant infrastructure projects. Latest News Update on planning related matters. A Decision of the Court of Appeal involving a proposal to expand Luton Airport to enable an increase in passenger capacity to 32 million passengers per annum and is earmarked as a nationally significant infrastructure project. An Appeal Decision for Land at Snows Ride in Surrey for 154 integrated retirement community units and 33 dwellings together with a general practice surgery, the creation of suitable alternative natural greenspace, landscaping, car parking, access, maintenance workshop, refuse storage and communal facilities. Both an Appeal Decision and a Costs Decision for the Aylesham Centre, Rye Lane in London. The development proposed is for the demolition of existing buildings and phased redevelopment to provide a replacement supermarket and associated service yard and car parking, flexible retail, leisure, and commercial accommodation, dwellings, landscaping and associated works. Visit our Website: ⁠⁠hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guests this week are John Fingleton and Mustafa Latif-Aramesh . John led an independent taskforce looking into the reform of nuclear regulations in the UK and Mustafa was Lead Author of the Planning Chapter in the review. The Government’s response to the Fingleton Review was published a few days ago. Latest News Update on planning related matters. A Court of Appeal Decision concerning a legal challenge to a council’s approval of detailed plans for a housing development of up to 170 homes in Buckinghamshire. The dispute focuses on whether the council was entitled to approve those details when issues around wastewater infrastructure and drainage had not yet been fully resolved. An Appeal Decision regarding a council’s refusal of planning permission for a residential development of 115 homes on a long-disused former sports site in Rugby. The proposal includes demolition of existing structures and the creation of housing, access, landscaping, and associated infrastructure. An Appeal Decision for a proposed extension of Woodford Garden Village in Stockport. Key issues considered include the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area, as well as matters such as layout, design quality, and how the scheme integrates with its surroundings. An Appeal Decision relating to a proposal to convert buildings at Mount Clare Campus in Roehampton Gate into temporary hostel accommodation for homeless people on the local housing authorities housing lists. The Inspector considered impacts on heritage assets, the suitability and completeness of the site’s development, the mix and quality of accommodation, and the provision of play space and local accessibility. Visit our Website: ⁠⁠hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Paul Reilly, President and Managing Director for WSP UK & Ireland . Paul oversees WSP’s strategic priorities and client delivery across the UK and Ireland, reinforcing the firm’s capabilities in critical growth markets, including infrastructure, environment, water, property, and energy. Latest News Update on planning related matters. A Costs Decision for Land North of Bath Road, Corsham. The proposed development is a residential one including 30% affordable housing, up to 1550m2 mixed use hub along with associated infrastructure. An Appeal Decision for Land at the Hill in Littlebourne. The development is an outline planning application for up to 300 residential dwellings, new community hub. This was an appeal made by Gladman Developments against a prior refusal by Canterbury City Council. An Appeal Decision on the site of Greenwich Quay in London. The appeal was made by Tribe Greenwich Quay and Redington Developments against a decision of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The proposed development was the demolition of existing structures and construction of student accommodation and associated works. A High Court Decision between Wiltshire Council and the SoS for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Old Sarum Airfield Ltd. The outline planning application was for the demolition of existing structures and building to be replaced with 315 residential dwellings, a mixture of commercial and leisure facilities and more on the site of Old Sarum Airfield. Visit our Website: hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Richard Benwell, Chief Executive of Wildlife & Countryside Link . He is also a board member of the Broadway Initiative and UK Youth for Nature and Chair of Oxfordshire’s Local Nature Partnership. Wildlife and Countryside Link (Link) is the largest environment and wildlife coalition in England, bringing together 94 organisations to use their strong joint voice for the protection of nature. Latest News Update on planning related matters. A Decision of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero for the Fenwick Solar Farm Project in Doncaster. The development is 536 hectares and when completed will provide grid power to around 75,000 homes. A Decision of the High Court regarding the refusal of planning permission by Lancaster City Council for 24 dwellings and associated development in Cockerham, Lancashire. A Decision of the High Court involving a prior refusal of planning permission by Trafford Borough Council. The development was for the purposes of General Industry, Storage and Distribution on a site west of Manchester Road in Carrington. An Appeal Decision for the construction of up to 200 residential dwellings, open space, landscaping, habitat enhancement, drainage infrastructure and associated works at Highfield Meadows in the market town of Malton, North Yorkshire. Visit our Website: ⁠⁠hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Sam Stafford, Managing Director at the Land, Planning and Development Federation and host of the 50 Shades of Planning Podcast. Latest News Update on planning related matters since we were last on the air. A Decision of the High Court involving Wrotham Parish Council and the Secretary of State, Moto Hospitality and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. It was a challenge to the decision of the SoS allowing an appeal to grant outline planning permission for a secure 24-hour truck stop facility for up to 197 HGVs incorporating fuel station; amenity building of up to 1100 sqm; creation of new access to A20 via roundabout; landscaping and other associated works. An Appeal Decision for Land west of Brackley in West Northamptonshire for up to 700 residential dwellings, areas of public open space, a rugby pitch, landscaping, allotments, sustainable drainage and associated infrastructure. Two Appeal Decisions made against Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council by Hodson Developments and Chilmington Green Developments regarding outline planning permission for a comprehensive mixed-use development in Great Chart, Ashford. Visit our Website: ⁠⁠hwgpnfy.com

The New Draft National Planning Policy Framework has been released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government . In this timely special, the Have We Got Planning News For You team looks through all the details and key changes within the framework and provides their thoughts on what they mean for the planning sector. Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Victoria Hutton, Lord Charlie Banner KC and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. Visit our website for further resources: hwgpnfy.com #HWGPNFY

Founding panellist, HWGPNFY Legend and host for our 1st Live event, Mary Cook from Town Legal , brings proceedings to a close. This is a series of specials from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . Donate to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Child Poverty Action Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Conference resources can be found on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25

In this episode, we get an update about the last 12 months at the Planning Inspectorate from the Interim Chief Inspector, Rebecca Phillips . She also speaks of what's to come in 2026. This is a series of specials from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . We will have a new episode every weekday right up until the publication of the new revised NPPF (which may or may not release around the 18th of December...). Donate to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Child Poverty Action Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Conference resources can be found on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25

In this episode, newcomer to the show Victoria Hutton of 39 Essex Chambers considers the recent Planning Practice Guidance changes and how the sequential test is affecting development. The sequential test is a process used to assess flood risk by comparing a proposed development site with other available sites to ensure it is located in an area with the lowest risk of flooding. Featuring ducks and puddles! This is a series of specials from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . We will have a new episode every weekday right up until the publication of the new revised NPPF (which may or may not release around the 18th of December...). Donate to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Child Poverty Action Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Conference resources can be found on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website here⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25

In this episode, panellist Sasha White KC of Landmark Chambers presents developments and setbacks occurring within the retail sector and the current state of play of the high street along with a brief history of the show. This is a series of specials from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . We will have a new episode every weekday right up until the publication of the new revised NPPF (which may or may not release around the 18th of December...). Donate to the ⁠⁠⁠Child Poverty Action Group⁠⁠⁠ . Conference resources can be found on our ⁠⁠⁠website here⁠⁠⁠ . Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25

As we end the current season, for this episode, we’re doing things a little differently. We have all the Latest News and Case Updates from the team. But instead of the regular guest interview, we have a plethora of videos from our inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London on the 1st of December 2025 . Back to this week, however... 🗞️ Victoria Hutton provides all the Latest News Updates on planning related matters. 🍃 Chris Young KC tells us about a High Court Decision involving RWE Renewables and Welsh Ministers to determine its application for the construction of up to 6 wind turbines on the southern boundary of Bannau Breicheiniog National Park. 🏠 Thea Osmund-Smith explains the Court of Appeal Decision between Halton Borough Council and the SoS for HCLG related to planning permission for demolition works and the construction of 139 dwellings on land in Runcorn. 🎬 Paul G Tucker KC looks at a Decision of the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP for a production and film studio space and associated infrastructure in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. ☀️ Sasha White KC delves into an Appeal Decision for a solar farm and battery storage system in Kelham, Nottinghamshire. The solar farm would have capacity to product 49.9MW of renewable energy, which is enough to power approximately 12,600 homes. Visit our Website: ⁠⁠hwgpnfy.com

In this episode, panellist Paul Tucker KC of Kings Chambers looks at the issues and other hurdles related to "Big Boxes" or warehouses as they're more commonly known. Highlighting the UK's economic need for such developments in order to achieve and sustain growth over the coming years. This is a series of specials from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . We will have a new episode every weekday right up until the publication of the new revised NPPF (which may or may not release around the 18th of December...). Donate to the ⁠⁠⁠Child Poverty Action Group⁠⁠⁠ . Conference resources can be found on our ⁠⁠⁠website here⁠⁠⁠ . Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25

In this episode, panellist Thea Osmund-Smith of No5 Chambers outlines the current state of Renewable Energy in the UK, and also shows what is necessary in order for it to meet its Clean Power 2030 targets. The Clean Power 2030 initiative aims for Great Britain to generate 95% of its electricity from clean sources by the year 2030, focusing on renewable energy like solar and wind, while also enhancing grid infrastructure. This is a series of specials from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . We will have a new episode every weekday right up until the publication of the new revised NPPF (which may or may not release around the 18th of December...). Donate to the ⁠⁠Child Poverty Action Group⁠⁠ . Conference resources can be found on our ⁠⁠website here⁠⁠ . Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25

In this episode, panellist Lord Charlie Banner KC of Keating Chambers explains how the introduction of Grey Belt policy aims to increase delivery in the Green Belt, aided with the use of Bon Jovi references. This is a series of specials from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . We will have a new episode every weekday right up until the publication of the new revised NPPF (which may or may not release around the 18th of December...). Donate to the ⁠Child Poverty Action Group⁠ . Conference resources can be found on our ⁠website here⁠ . Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25

In this episode, panellist Chris Young KC of No5 Chambers has a look at the levels of England's housing targets, the areas that are doing well, those that are falling short and what can be done to increase delivery. This is a series of specials from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . We will have a new episode every weekday right up until the publication of the new revised NPPF (which may or may not release around the 18th of December...). Donate to the Child Poverty Action Group . Conference resources can be found on our website here . Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25

In this episode, we are joined by Jennie Daly CBE, Chief Executive Officer at the house builder, Taylor Wimpey PLC . Jennie explains all matters with how the house building sector is responding with all the various policy changes by recent Governments. This is a series of special episodes from the inaugural Have We Got Planning News For You Live Conference , which took place at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London . We will have a new episode every weekday right up until the publication of the new revised NPPF (which may or may not release around the 18th of December...). Donate to the Child Poverty Action Group by ⁠clicking here⁠ . Conference resources can be found on our ⁠website here⁠ Have We Got Planning News for You is a light-hearted review of the month's latest developments by six barristers from across the Planning Bar: Paul Tucker KC, Thea Osmund-Smith, Sasha White KC, Charlie Banner KC, Victoria Hutton and Christopher Young KC. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the panellists. #HWGPNFY #HWGPNFYlive25