Let's Talk Land

Let’s Talk Land is property’s newest podcast, jam packed with industry news and debate. Each month the team at Walter Cooper will be sharing their combined 40 years of experience in property and chatting to industry experts - from housebuilders to planning officers - on a range of topics.

Episode Twenty-Two: A look back at 2023 and looking forward to 2024

In our final episode of the year, Simon and Stacey reflect on the ever changing landscape during 2023 and make some predictions for the year ahead.

12-20
36:14

Episode Twenty-One: A quick look at the budget

In today's mini-sode Simon and Stacey dissect the latest Autumn Statement.

12-04
19:20

Episode Twenty: A first-time buyer's perspective

In the latest Let’s Talk Land episode, co-hosts Simon Cox and Stacey Meadwell catch up on the latest headlines in the property world and speak with Emily Duncan, a recent first-time buyer.

11-17
39:47

Episode Nineteen: Politicians posture and house builders change tack

In this episode, Simon and Stacey discuss what's been happening in the world of planning and housebuilding. Their conversation covers proposed changes to planning rules, how housebuilders are responding to a dip in demand and cash strapped councils.

09-26
33:53

Episode Eighteen: When actions speak louder than words

In this month's episode Simon and Stacey take a break from the thorny issues of planning and politics. They catch up with England rugby star Rosie Galligan, Eloise Huddleston, East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity director and Walter Cooper's latest recruit Anna Barrett. 

07-28
41:04

Episode Seventeen: Is MMC misunderstood?

David Craddock, Founder of the VerdeGO Group joins Simon and Stacey this month to discuss all things MMC (Modern Methods of Construction). The three property experts explore the term and how it encompasses so much more than modular housing. 

06-13
40:46

Episode Sixteen: Peak indecision?

In this month’s episode Simon and Stacey discuss whether we have reached peak indecision for housing policy making - politics is so intrinsically linked to this industry that it's impossible to get away from

04-19
32:50

Episode Fifteen: Prices, politics and planning policy - what does it all mean for property?

Carol Lewis, Property Editor for The Times, joins Simon and Stacey this episode to give her insight on the industry. The three cover discussion topics from the economic market outlook, to planning policy, and the impact of local and national politics on the property market.

02-22
42:46

Episode Fourteen: New year, new property market predictions

In this month's episode Simon and Stacey reflect on what has been a turbulent year for the property industry, and make their predictions for the market in 2023. 

01-04
34:46

Episode Thirteen: Forget NIMBY - why should we say "yes, in my backyard"?

This month, Simon and Stacey are joined by Freddie Poser, member of the London YIMBY society to discuss why we all need to be more open to development and growth, and how changes in the planning system can help reflect this. 

12-02
41:29

Episode Twelve: Diversity, Homes and Community

In what is a slight change from the usual format, this episode Simon and Stacey give us an insight into Walter Cooper and Real Estate Balance's 'Diversity, Homes and Community' panel event. Featuring the full panel discussion with Geeta Nanda OBE, Chief Executive of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, Andy Hill, Chief Executive of Hill Group, and Ingrid Osborne, Divisional Chair for London & South East at Taylor Wimpey, chaired Estates Gazette's Tim Burke. 

10-19
51:44

Episode Eleven: How can you drive value and deliver more affordable housing?

With house prices growing ever more out of reach for many people, attentions turn to affordable housing. In this month’s podcast Simon and Stacey are joined by Walter Cooper’s COO Ollie Dyson, who offers a wealth of knowledge and experience from his time spent working in the sector. Together they unravel what affordable housing really means, the issues facing its providers and why partnerships with housebuilders hold the key to successful delivery. 

09-01
53:17

Episode Ten: 2022 Predictions – The six-month review

As the UK faces even more political uncertainty, this month Simon and Stacey hit the pause button to reflect on the last six months and the predictions they made at the start of the year. But with the property sector as unpredictable as ever… How did Simon’s predictions work out? 

07-19
27:06

Episode Nine: The UK’s planning system… it’s not all bad

This month Simon and Stacey are joined by James Waterhouse,  Director of Iceni Projects. Following previous podcast discussions around the faults in the UK’s planning system, this episode looks at all of the positives. 

06-14
37:16

Episode Eight: Diversity - Not just a tick box exercise

Founder of Black Professionals in Construction (BPIC), Amos Simbo, joins Simon and Stacey to discuss how we can all strive to improve diversity in the property sector and take steps forward to become a more inclusive industry. 

05-20
26:07

Episode Seven: Architecture and the race to create space

What role does architecture and the design of new homes play in how we create places to live? Should architects be brought in earlier in the process? TV presenter and Architect Damion Burrows joins Simon and Stacey to discuss the future of housing design.

04-08
37:49

Episode Six: Why are the Home Counties losing control of their Planning systems?

An increasing number of council’s are being put into ‘special measures’ for their failure to meet local housing targets and poor development management performance. What are the implications of stripping local people of their right to choose what is built in their own communities, and how did it get to this point? Why are home county authorities now voting to reject their own Local Plans? Simon and Stacey examine this power struggle and contemplate whether the planning system will get worse before it gets better. 

02-25
25:41

Episode Five: What did COP-26 mean for housing?

How can sustainability be a core part of today’s housebuilding practice and be successfully implemented in future design? Did the Climate Conference give us any more answers? Is Urban Sustainability financially realistic for projects currently? The impact that construction and the built environment has on the planet is massive – responsible for nearly 40% of all carbon emission. Simon tackles this emotive topic with Dan Jestico, Sustainable Design Director at Savills, and whether there is still time to help our children’s future.

02-01
44:58

Episode Four: 2022 Predictions in an Unpredictable World

As inflation rises, supply of homes dwindles, and land values skyrocket, what does this mean for the industry in 2022? Will Boris remain in power? Will Gove make any significant changes to planning? And will they ever agree on their favourite Christmas song? Simon and Ollie are back again embracing their inner Mystic Meg.

12-21
29:29

Episode Three: Can infrastructure keep up with a post-Covid world?

The country-city balance is the ideal post-covid dream, saying goodbye to the five-day commute forever, but what does this mean for house building? With the Eastern Line of HS2 being scrapped, can infrastructure keep up with the communities of the future? Simon and Stacey are joined this week by Walter Cooper’s COO Ollie Dyson, having previously worked for leading housebuilders Redrow, Metropolitan Thames Valley and Bellway.

12-08
42:36

Recommend Channels