Episodes

Graham is a Chartered Town Planner who joined the Planning Inspectorate and the Civil Service in May 2019, bringing over 20 years of experience in planning and leadership roles within local government, including serving as a Chief Planning Officer. Prior to joining the Inspectorate, he was also a volunteer trustee of the Royal Town Planning Institute – the professional body for planners – for nine years.

David O’Leary is an Executive Director of the Home Builders Federation, overseeing policy and external relations, including leading on engagement with government. He joined HBF in 2013 and became a Board member in 2023. David is going to be talking about the new Government scheme “Your First Home”, including details we know so far, what it’s aiming to do, and how it might help the industry.

The New National Planning Policy Framework has been released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. In this timely special, the Have We Got Planning News For You team looks through all the details and key changes within the framework and provides their thoughts on what they mean for the planning sector.

Tim is one of the leading ecologists in planning well known to members of the planning bar, planning solicitors and planning consultants. He recently joined Bennu Environmental as Director.

Stephen Kinsella is the Managing Director for the MADE Partnership and Group Major Projects Director at Barratt Redrow. The MADE Partnership is a master developer and a joint venture between Barratt Redrow PLC, Homes England and Lloyds Banking Group. Previously, Stephen was the Chief Land and Development Officer at Homes England.

Rebecca has held the role on an interim basis since March 2025, during which time she has led work to enhance and systemise inspector learning and development. She has also collaborated closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and other stakeholders on significant reforms to the planning system, including the draft new National Planning Policy Framework and new approaches to local and strategic planning.

Jan has been inaugurated as the President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for 2026, unveiling a national campaign set to drive her presidential year: Planning with Purpose. Currently a Strategic Planning Adviser at Pinsent Masons, she has worked on a range of planning projects, from community-led initiatives and neighbourhood plans to nationally significant infrastructure projects.

In this episode, we are joined by John Fingleton and Mustafa Latif-Aramesh. John led an independent taskforce looking into the reform of nuclear regulations in the UK and Mustafa was Lead Author of the Planning Chapter in the review. The Government’s response to the Fingleton Review was published a few days ago.

Paul oversees WSP’s strategic priorities and client delivery across the UK and Ireland, reinforcing the firm’s capabilities in critical growth markets, including infrastructure, environment, water, property, and energy. Prior to joining WSP in 2022, he was the Managing Director of Stantec UK, Managing Partner at Peter Brett Associates, and chaired the Association for Consultancy and Engineering between 2020 and 2021.

Richard Benwell is chief executive of Wildlife & Countryside Link. He is also a board member of the Broadway Initiative and UK Youth for Nature and Chair of Oxfordshire’s Local Nature Partnership. Wildlife and Countryside Link (Link) is the largest environment and wildlife coalition in England, bringing together 94 organisations to use their strong joint voice for the protection of nature.