Sam Stafford was in Manchester recently and took the opportunity to catch up with old friend of the podcast Charlotte Leach and new friends of the podcast Andrew Johnston and Lisa Tye.

Over the course of an hour so they chatted about a few of the hot topics exercising the planning profession at minute. They talked about ‘the next phase of planning reform’ as set out in a written ministerial statement issued by the Secretary of State last month. That takes in the "unleashing" of development around railway stations; a requirement upon local authorities to notify the Secretary of State where they intend to refuse an application for 150 or more homes; and streamlining statutory consultees.

They talked about AI and it’s growing influence on the planning system, and they talked about Section 106 Agreements. They also talked about a topic that has featured regularly on the podcast during 2025, national development management policies, which caused Sam to alight his soap box towards the end of the episode. Listen out too for some exciting mug-related news.

Some accompanying reading.

Next phase of planning reform

Housebuilding around train stations will be given default “yes”

Reforms to the statutory consultee system

Announcements

AI-powered nimbyism could grind UK planning system to a halt, experts warn

AI Will Add To, Rather Than Reduce, Planning Delays Unless We Do Something About It

Simplifying & Standardising Section 106 Agreement Processes: Proposals for Reform

On NDMPs

Some accompanying listening.

Make It Up As You Go Along – Liam Gallagher & John Squire

Any other business.

Sam is on Bluesky and Instagram. His blog contains a link to his newsletter.