The London Society Podcast

This episode explores the draft new London Plan and why it matters for housing, transport, green belt decisions, and long-term city-making. Host Leanne Tritton and co-host Dave Hill speak with Lisa Fairmaner about how the plan is made, who influences it, and why it is both a planning document and a strategic signal to government and investors. Lisa Fairmaner, former lead officer on the London Plan at City Hall and now Associate Director and National Lead for Strategic Planning at ARUP, explains the mechanics behind the plan and the choices shaping London's next decade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon talk to Liz Hutchinson, CEO of London Higher, and discuss London's position as the global leader in higher education, the sector's impact on the city, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. She shares insights on international student attraction, the diversity of institutions, and the importance of collaboration for London's future as a higher education hub.00:00 Introduction to London's Higher Education Sector01:18 Why London is the Global Leader in Higher Education03:06 The Timing and Purpose of the Campaign04:18 International Competition and Challenges08:33 Diversity of London Institutions09:43 Impact of Visa Policies on International Students11:25 The Value of International Talent and Soft Power15:36 Engagement with City Hall and Future Strategies19:12 University Community Engagement and Local Impact22:47 Making University Spaces More Accessible26:13 Mapping and Understanding the Sector28:19 Pathways and Collaboration for Future Talent29:49 Using Social Media and Soft Power31:37 Practical Skills and the Future of Higher Education34:36 Balancing Technical and Academic Education36:46 The Future of London's Higher Education LeadershipKeywordsLondon higher education, global city, international students, university diversity, sector impact, collaboration, skills, AI, disinformation, city strategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oxford Street is recognised around the world and is often described as the UK's high street. More than just one of London's most famous streets, it is a global destination whose success shapes perceptions of the capital and the country as a whole.In this episode of Talk About London, Dave Hill, OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society are joined by Nabeel Khan, Chief Executive of the Oxford Street Development Corporation, to explore the bold vision for its future. They discuss why the Mayoral Development Corporation was created, the powers it has to accelerate delivery, how consensus is being built between businesses, local communities and government, and why accessibility, public realm improvements and long-term planning will be critical to creating an Oxford Street that is fit for the next generation.Introduction to the Oxford Street Transformation Project – 00:00What is a Mayoral Development Corporation? – 01:32Why Oxford Street was chosen for transformation – 03:00The powers and responsibilities of the MDC – 04:08Geography and scope of the Oxford Street area – 05:34Legal and statutory powers of the MDC – 06:19Collaboration with Transport for London – 07:04Acting at pace: Early wins and timelines – 10:19Expected changes by October 2024 – 12:55Design and safety considerations, including hostile vehicle mitigation – 16:21Changing the role of Oxford Street: From retail to experience-led destination – 19:56Design review, accessibility and creating a street for everyone – 22:57Planning authority and governance – 28:26Developing the local plan and long-term vision – 31:15Section 106 contributions and community benefits – 34:57Building consensus among stakeholders – 39:43The importance of public toilets and clear communication – 44:30Using the public estate for messaging and engagement – 45:34Conclusion and future outlook – 48:10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest episode in the London Explained series takes a look at the River Thames and asks if London is making the most of the waterway that gave it life - particularly the part of its north bank, where it flows past the Houses of Parliament and the Victoria Embankment. Could that section of the riverfront - and further east to Blackfriars and beyond - be made more attractive to Londoners and visitors alike, both in its own right and through its proximity to the nearby pleasures of the Strand? Although it's an annual gathering point for celebrations of the New Year fireworks and the Marathon, might it be improved such that more people are drawn to it all year round? And what about its potential as an environmental asset, including for generating sustainable heat? Combining interviews, archive material and the sounds of the Embankment and the river itself, The London Society trustee and writer Dave Hill tells the story of the importance of the Thames to London's past, its present and its unfolding future. The podcast is produced by Andrew McGibbon of Curtains For Radio for The London Society. It was financially supported by the London Heritage Quarter business improvement district, with The London Society retaining full editorial control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What role do civic societies really play in shaping London? Are they powerful defenders of local communities, or are they unfairly blamed for blocking the homes and infrastructure the capital desperately needs?In this episode of Talk About London, Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon are joined by architect and former RIBA President Ben Derbyshire to explore the history, purpose and future of London's civic societies. They unpack where these organisations came from, what influence they actually have in the planning system, and why there is so much misunderstanding about their role.The conversation examines the balance between protecting local character and enabling the high-quality development London needs, challenges the perception that civic societies are simply "NIMBY" organisations, and discusses how they can become more representative of the communities they serve. The episode also explores the wider barriers to delivering housing—from planning and finance to public engagement—and considers how civic societies can become constructive partners in creating a better London.Whether you're a resident, planner, architect, councillor or simply someone who cares about the future of the capital, this episode offers a thoughtful look at one of London's most important, but often overlooked, parts of civic life.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to civic societies and their role in London01:12 - What is a civic society? Origins and early focus02:40 - Historical context of civic activism and key figures like Octavia Hill04:36 - Civic societies today: statutory powers and limitations05:35 - The importance of civic influence versus statutory power06:42 - Examples of civic influence and campaigns in London07:56 - Challenges posed by statutory consultees and "NIMBY" labels08:39 - Planning reform, streamlining, and civic engagement09:56 - Campaigns: opposition in civic societies and their validity11:18 - The positive role of civic societies in supporting public good and high-quality housing12:17 - The importance of constructive civic participation and diversity13:03 - Engaging new generations and diverse voices in planning14:22 - The impact of demographic shifts on civic involvement and planning interest15:52 - The undervalued contribution of civic societies in local planning debates17:12 - The potential for civic societies to influence detailed urban policies18:07 - Overcoming old stereotypes and encouraging younger, diverse memberships19:23 - The need to improve genuine engagement over superficial consultation processes20:03 - Young people's creativity and energy in urban activism21:26 - The challenge of meaningful participation and constructive debate22:50 - The disconnect between the housing crisis and public perception23:43 - Alternative models for funding social housing, including bonds and public investment25:20 - Recognizing the historical role of Section 106 in urban development26:23 - The positive perception of young people's engagement when opportunities are available27:19 - Defining "good growth" and the importance of housing as infrastructure28:44 - The balance between local character and innovative urban design29:22 - Examples of modern, context-sensitive architecture and design standards31:23 - The valuable input civic societies provide in planning and development debates32:00 - Encouraging wider public involvement in civic and planning activities33:36 - The joy of activism and community engagement in urban renewal projects34:04 - Closing thoughts: how to better involve local communities in shaping LondonResources & Links:London SocietyLondon.co.ukOctavia Hill - BiographyLondon Forum of Amenities and Civic SocietiesVictorian SocietySociety for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)20th Century SocietySadiq Khan's Good Growth PolicySection 106 AgreementsConnect with Ben Derbyshire:LinkedInTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.