There are some great blogs and podcasts providing insightful, engaging and often entertaining commentary on all things planning. Here are our top picks for podcasts and blogs about town planning to help you stay up-to-date with current issues and debates.
Planning Matters is written by Lichfields planning and development consultancy. This award winning blog provides insightful commentary on the latest planning reforms and issues. You can search the blog by category and will undoubtedly find lots interest and use. It's well worth checking out Lichfields' excellent research papers too: Insights, Lichfields
This lively show is a panel discussion with five titans of planning law, Charlie Banner KC, Mary Cook, Paul Tucker KC, Sasha White KC and Chris Young KC. They are joined each week by special guest from the planning world. In each episode, they take a deep dive into the latest planning appeal decisions and decisions from the high court. Watching (or listening to) Have We Got Planning News for You is great way to stay informed on current issues in planning.
For a nuanced commentary on current planning debates head to Iceni Projects Insights. Iceni Projects is a consultancy offering specialist advice in the fields of archaeology; built heritage and townscape; design; economics; engagement; iceni futures; impact management; landscape; planning and transport. Iceni Projects Insights, drawing on this range of areas of focus, is interesting and informative and a great way to stay up to date with current issues in planning.
The exceptional legal brains of Dentons' Planning team produce an excellent blog UK Planning Law. This blog gives, in their words: "Real opinions on the alphabet soup of planning and development from s106 agreements to CIL, PDR to DCO, BIDs to UBR, viability to profits for everyone". Read this blog for clear information on the implications and impact of recent case law.
50 Shades of Planning get down and dirty with the realities of what it’s like to work in planning (and even ventures beyond the UK). Creator Sam Stafford is an engaging host (and has an insightful and often witty blog by the same name) who gives a platform to sector leaders from across the public and private sector. A range of planning subjects are covered, including the issue of resource challenges in local planning authorities. Well worth a listen.
6. SIMONICITY
We love, love love reading Simon Ricketts' blog. Partner at boutique planning law firm, Town Legal LLP, Simon tells it like it is unpacking complex legal matters with clarity, common sense and candour. This is hands down one of our fave planning blogs and we drink in all the detail with a good coffee every week. Never misses.
Have we missed any great blogs and podcasts about town planning practice and planning law?
Get in touch to let us know if there are other great podcasts or blogs we should add to this list.
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