Have We Got Planning News For You

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 here⁠Have 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 The Right Honourable Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, for a 45-minute Q&A session. 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...).Whilst we didn’t charge to attend the event, we really would like you to donate to the Child Poverty Action Group in lieu of a registration fee. You can do this by clicking here.Conference resources can be found on our website hereHave 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

Victoria joined the RTPI in April 2018 and has 20 years’ experience and expertise in planning, transport and organisational leadership and development. She has led the RTPI for nearly eight years, and will be stepping down from her post as CEO later this year. She will be moving on to take up the role of CEO at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).Latest News Update on planning related matters.A Decision of the Court of Appeal between Haytop Country Park and Amber Valley Borough Council related to the carrying out of substantial engineering work including the felling of trees, extensive ground works to level and reprofile parts of the landscape, and the installation of new concrete plinths for permanent twin-unit park homes.A Decision of the High Court involving WildFish, an environmental charity that campaigns to protect rivers and streams, who objected to a planning decision for 170 houses in Maids Morton, Buckinghamshire.A Decision of an Inspector for Land at Boscobel Lane in Bishops Wood. The proposed development is for up to 100 residential dwellings, a shop and associated drainage/infrastructure. The appeal was made by Boningale Homes against a prior refusal of South Staffordshire District Council.A Decision of an Inspector for Land West of the A4135 in Draycott. This appeal was made by Persimmon against Stroud District Council and was a hybrid application for up to 795 dwellings and supporting infrastructure.Visit our Website:⁠hwgpnfy.com

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, also known as Philip Hunt, is a politician and member of the House of Lords, who served as Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero from 2024 to 2025. He has held various roles in government, including positions in health and justice, and was created a life peer in 1997.Latest News Update on planning related matters.A Judgment of the Court of Appeal involving an energy recovery facility on the Isle of Portland. The proposed facility would incinerate non-hazardous residual waste to produce around 15 MWe of electricity to export to the national grid.A High Court Decision regarding 62 dwellings on land in the countryside to the east of Normanton Road in Edith Weston, Rutland. This decision arose due to errors previously made by the planning inspector.A Decision of the SoS for Energy Security and Net Zero concerning a post-combustion carbon capture facility in the London Borough of Bexley on the bank of the River Thames.A Decision of an Inspector for 140 new homes in Hamstreet, Kent. The proposed development also included green infrastructure including landscape planting, habitat creation and open space, drainage infrastructure including a new pumping station, pedestrian and cycle routes.Visit our Website:⁠hwgpnfy.com

Chris Boardman was appointed as National Active Travel Commissioner in June 2022 by the Transport Secretary. He was Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester and the first ever Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner. A former professional cyclist, Chris won a gold medal in the individual pursuit at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. He is currently the Chair of Sport England.Latest News Updates on planning related matters.Decision of the Supreme Court of CG Fry & Son Ltd v. Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government. This appeal is concerned with two issues of planning law in relation to environmental protection and large-scale development of land for residential dwellings. The environmental concern relates to the introduction of phosphates arising from the development into the water systems feeding the Somerset Levels and the effect that may have on the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar Site.A High Court Judgment involving a Carbon Capture and Storage scheme under the Irish Sea. CCS is a process which involves capturing emissions before they reach the atmosphere and transporting them to depleted reservoirs or aquifers for permanent storage.A Decision on behalf of the SoS for Energy Security and Net Zero for a Solar Farm near Ashford in Kent. The scheme will have an export capacity of up to 99.9MW, which is enough renewable energy to power approximately 42,000 homes. The project also consists of on-site battery storage and associated infrastructure, including a Grid connection via a single 132kV cable circuit from the Project Substation to Sellindge Substation.An Appeal Decision on land to the sound of the A63 bypass near Brayton in Selby. The proposal is to form a consolidated depot for a haulage company, comprising a large warehouse to be used for storage and distribution, office, HGV car park and workshop along with a staff car park.Visit our Website:⁠hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Kathryn Ventham, Senior Director at Twenty5 Planning. Kathryn is a Chartered Town Planner with 25 years experience specialising in strategic land promotion and mixed use/residential led development. She is a leading advisor in respect of matters relating to flood risk sequential testing - working with Counsel and government bodies in this regard.Latest News Update since we were last on the air.A Court of Appeal Decision related to the Bell Hotel in Epping. The appeal was brought by Somani Hotels Limited against Epping Forest District Council. At the previous hearing on 15 August 2025 before the judge, the Council sought an interim injunction requiring Somani to stop using or permitting the use of the Hotel for accommodating asylum seekers or for using the Hotel for any use other than as a hotel until the trial of the claim.A Decision of the SoS regarding an expansion of Sky Studios in Elstree including a film and television production studio (use Class E(g)(ii)) with ancillary floorspace, backlot, 7 new access arrangements, car parking, landscaping, infrastructure and associated works. The appeal was made by Sky Studios Ltd and Legal and General Investment Managment against a prior refusal by Hertsmere Borough Council. A Decision of the SoS involving planning permission for demolition and preparation works on the site of Brighton Gasworks brought by St William Homes LLP. Works outlined included: a comprehensive mixed-use redevelopment comprising site preparation and enabling works, demolition of existing buildings and structures; provision of new buildings comprising residential use (Use Class C3) and flexible non-residential floorspace (Use Class E), new private and communal amenity space. A Decision of the SoS refusing planning permission for 148 dwellings in Reading, Berkshire. The appeal was made by Wates Developments Ltd against a previous refusal by Wokingham Borough Council. This was a second inquiry after a previous grant of permission was quashed by the High Court. Issues raised in the appeal include: the effect of the development upon the character and appearance of the countryside; the effect upon surface drainage; the safety and wellbeing of future residents of the proposed development, and the wider public, with regard to the proximity of the Atomic Weapons Establishment site at Burghfield (AWE(B)); and the future capability and capacity of AWE(B) to operate effectively.Episode resources can be found on our website below:⁠hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning & Placemaking at Milton Keynes City Council. Shanika is the first Asian woman and youngest ever councillor to join the Cabinet in Milton Keynes (initially as a Cabinet Member for the Economy). She previously worked in Sir Kier Starmer's politics team, improving campaigning and focussing on increasing diversity in our elected representatives. Latest News Update on planning related matters.An Appeal Decision at Horsham Golf Club in West Sussex for the development of a Sports and Leisure Hub including the provision of communal facilities, nursery, golf college, sports clubhouse (containing health & fitness spa, changing facilities and food & beverage) and up to 800 dwellings. The appeal was made by Generator Group against the previous decision of Horsham District Council.A Decision of the Minister of State for Housing and Planning for a Data Centre in Iver, Buckinghamshire. This appeal was made by Greystoke Land and Altrad UK Ltd against a prior refusal by Buckinghamshire Council. The Data Centre buildings include offices, internal plant and equipment and emergency back-up generators and fuel storage. The development will also include cycle and car parking, internal roads, landscaping, security perimeter fence, ancillary infrastructure and a substation.An Appeal Decision involving the proposed demolition and future development at The Point, an entertainment complex in Central Milton Keynes. The proposed redevelopment includes flexible Class E leisure/retail uses (upper and lower ground level), up to 487 apartments over the upper floors (up to 21 storeys with a floor to floor height of 3m plus a crown structure), re-cladding of the existing car park with leisure uses (bar, outdoor sports and cinema) at rooftop level.Visit our Website:hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Lord Marvin Rees OBE. Marvin is a Labour Party politician who served as the Mayor of Bristol from 2016 to 2024 and became a life peer in February 2025. He has a background in public health, journalism, and social justice advocacy.Latest News Update on planning related matters.An Appeal Decision on Land West of Chapel Road in Smallfield, Surrey that was made by B Yond Homes Ltd against the previous decision of Tandridge District Council. The proposed development was for up to 270 dwellings; private parking; landscaping and public open space; SuDS; and flood alleviation measures.An Appeal Decision on Land at Ham Road in Faversham, Kent and was made by Gladman Developments Limited against the prior decision of Swale Borough Council. The development proposed is the erection of up to 250 dwellings, including affordable housing, public open space, landscaping, sustainable urban drainage system and vehicular access point.A Decision of the SoS for Energy Security and Net Zero for the Oaklands Farm Solar Park Project in Rosliston, South Derbyshire. The proposed 191-hectare development would have a generating capacity of over 50 megawatts, an export capacity of 162.3MW (alternating current) and an import capacity of 37.5MW (alternating current) to the National Grid.Visit our Website:hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Florence Eshalomi, Labour (Co-op) MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green and is the current Chair of the MHCLG Select Committee. The Committee scrutinises the policy, administration and spending of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It is made up of MPs from across the House of Commons. Latest News Update on planning related matters.An Appeal Decision for land at Old Park Lane in Farnham by Gleeson Land Limited against the decision of Waverley Borough Council. The proposal is for 83 dwellings (including 24 affordable) and public open space/country park including related play space, community orchard, wildlife pond, internal access roads, footways/footpaths and drainage basins/corridor.An Appeal Decision at New Hall Farm, Overton in Wakefield by Boom Developments Limited against the decision of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council. The development proposed is the installation of a renewable energy generating station comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays together with substation, transformer stations, site accesses, internal access tracks, security measures, access gates, other ancillary infrastructure and landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.A High Court Decision between Bellway Homes Limited and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding refusal of planning permission by Durham County Council in relation to land to the north of George Pit Lane, Great Lumley, County Durham. The proposed development included the erection of 148 dwellings with associated access, infrastructure and landscaping.Visit our Website:hwgpnfy.com

Our Special Guest this week is Elsie Owusu OBE RA, Architect and Principal at Elsie Owusu Architects. Elsie is a founding member and the first chair of the Society of Black Architects. Her projects include the U.K. Supreme Court and Green Park tube station.  She has been an elected RIBA Council member since 2014, a vice-chair of the London School of Architecture, and a Royal Academician. She was recently part of the Radix Big Tent Housing Commission.Latest News Update on planning related matters.A Decision of the High Court between Ross and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Renewable Energy Systems Ltd on an appeal against the Local Planning Authority’s refusal of planning permission for the proposed Longhedge Solar Farm. The solar farm was approximately 223 acres with a build area of 157 acres on a site to the north-east of the village of Hawksworth in Nottinghamshire.An Appeal Decision involving Berkeley Strategic Land Limited against the previous decision of Wokingham Borough Council for a proposed development of 350 dwellings and a care home with access on land adjacent to Blagrove Lane in Wokingham. The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant outline planning permission.Visit our Website:hwgpnfy.com