Sam Stafford was in Birmingham recently and took the opportunity to catch up with friends of the podcast Mike Best, Kathryn Ventham and Michelle Simpson-Gallego at PodHaus studios in Digbeth.

They talked about why the recent consultation on areas for producing Spatial Development Strategies seemed to generate more interest in the West Midlands than other parts of the country (an issue for which this episode has named); they talked about the politics of Grey Belt; they talked about some live development management issues, including LPAs basing decisions on unpublished evidence; and they touched on PINS’ recent performance.

Some accompanying reading.

Areas for producing spatial development strategies

Will the real West Midlands please stand up?

Elections 2026

How Long Are Local Plan Examinations Taking?

Planning After Dark LIVE at UKREiiF with Cratus Group

Toxic Communications and Relational Planning

SM sites for SME builders

Some accompanying viewing.

What the local election results mean for housebuilding

Some accompanying listening.

City Minutes: The Croydon planning experiment

The Nightingales - Gales Doc

Any other business.

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Sam is grateful to Richborough, Town Legal and Tyler Grange for supporting the podcast; to Vistry for sponsoring the 50 Shades mugs; and to Carl Thomas-Edwards and Adrian Meehan for recording and editing this episode.