Pre-Planning Prevents Poor Performance EM

This event aims to give architects greater insight into how planning departments operate, the challenges local authorities are facing, and the policy changes shaping the planning system. It will also provide an opportunity for planners to hear directly from architects about their experiences and expectations, helping to foster more productive working relationships.

We will try and cover many of the following topics

• Planning Department priorities and ambitions for 2026
• Planning application performance and improvement programmes
• Government planning policy updates
• The NPPF updates
• Design Review Panels
• The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
• Spatial Development Strategies
• The evolving role of Planning Committees and the National Scheme of Delegation
• Common issues encountered in planning submissions and how applicants can improve the quality of applications
• The value of pre-application engagement and early collaboration

The session aims to be informative, practical, and conversational. Alongside the presentations, there will be a dedicated Q&A session where architects will be encouraged to ask questions and share their "view from the drawing board".

By taking part, you will help shape a more constructive dialogue between local planning authorities and the design profession, contributing to better-quality submissions, more efficient decision-making, and stronger outcomes for our places and communities.