Victoria and Nikita bring you an overview of a number of key updates from the last quarter, including various new proposed reforms and consultations. In a case law heavy episode, we also cover cases on the “no substantial difference” test, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Spitalfields case and cases on duties of relevant authorities relating to National Parks and National Landscapes. 

We celebrate the milestone of hitting 10,000 downloads and welcome Town Legal colleagues Aline Hyde (instructed on the recent West Suffolk / Animal Health Trust Research centre case on the interpretation of Class E) and Spencer Tewis-Allen (instructed on the recent John Lewis West Ealing appeal) to the podcast. 

With the return of our quarterly episodes, Victoria and Nikita share their thoughts on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the Mead case which considered the role and relationship of the NPPF and PPG. We are also pleased to welcome Nick Grant, barrister at Landmark Chambers, back to the podcast to share his experience of how grey belt policy is being applied. 

Victoria is back and, together with Nikita, they run through a planning themed “12 Days of Christmas” looking back at some highlights from 2024 including the recent publication of a revised NPPF.

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Still undecided or interested to understand what to expect from the newly elected government? Join us as we interview three special guests on the parties’ manifestos – Steve Quartermain (former Chief Planner) on planning and housing policies, Duncan Field (Town Legal) on energy and environment policies, and John Walker (CT Group) on politics and planning. [NB: We recorded this episode in various different locations which, at times, has impacted sound quality.]

Join us as we look back at Patrick Robinson’s long and successful career ahead of his retirement. Patrick was one of Town Legal’s founding partners and the firms’ first Managing Partner. Starting his career before the advent of mobile phones and emails, Patrick has had a very impressive career, and we discuss some of his key highlights (and a few lowlights).

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Victoria and Nikita run through a planning themed "12 Days of Christmas" looking back at some highlights from 2023. 

There’s lots for us to cover after an extended summer break – the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act receives royal assent, the government announces its long-term plan for housing, the introduction of mandatory BNG regulations get delayed and the SoS refuses the called-in M&S application. Victoria and Nikita also welcome their first fellow Townie as a special guest to shed some light on the nutrient neutrality issue! 

Nick Grant, barrister at Landmark Chambers, features in our next Case Law Brief episode on the podcast.

The Court of Appeal (Lindblom LJ, Lewis LJ and Laing LJ) has upheld Holgate J’s decision to quash an Inspector’s grant of permission for 289 apartments on the Newcastle Quayside. Anjoli dives into the details for us in a brilliant listen.

Victoria and Nikita cover the recent Secretary of State’s decision in the called-in Berkeley Homes application in Cranbrook and a lot of recent/ongoing consultations, including on Environmental Outcomes Reports, Affordable Housing, Development Viability, a new Use Class/PD rights for short term lets and the Infrastructure Levy (with special guest Sasha Gordon, Director at Quod).