With Lee Barron MP, Member of Parliament for Corby. This event looked at what lessons we can learn from previous iterations of the New Towns regime, and how we can bring these lessons forward into the modern day to suit the Government’s aspiration to begin twelve New Towns by 2029

With Lord Banner KC, whose independent review into legal challenges against Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects has recently had its recommendations taken up by Government.

With Baroness Valentine, Lord Porter of Spalding, Dr. Abi O’Connor, Jessica Craig & William Hall. The Government’s recent Devolution White Paper marks a significant shift in how strategic authorities can influence regeneration and development. With greater control over funding and decision-making, local leaders are now in a stronger position to drive place-based growth.

With Mark Robinson, head of regeneration at NewRiver REIT and former chair of the High Streets Task Force. This roundtable was convened to address the challenges facing Britain’s high streets, and to look at how a wide-angle approach encompassing wider regenerative solutions can mean busier and livelier town centres.

With David Nash, Director of Policy & Strategy at the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, our group was convened to address the urgent challenges and opportunities within the engineering and construction sectors, with a particular emphasis on skills training.

With Lord Liddle, former Shadow Transport Spokesperson. This roundtable focused on the critical challenges and opportunities surrounding infrastructure, transport and economic policy within the current political landscape.

With Paul Branston, Director of Regulation at the National Grid. The PLG’s recent meeting focused on the pressing issues surrounding housing delivery and grid capacity. The meeting saw key industry experts discuss the challenges around grid connection, planning system frustrations, and the need for significant investment in infrastructure to support renewable energy projects. Paul provided insights on the role of the National Grid in supporting high voltage transitions, the impact of decarbonisation, and the steps being taken to address the current queue for grid connections.

With Huw Edwards and Mark Witham from HS2, and Philip Kerr, economic advisory lead at Arcadis. The PLG recently held a roundtable meeting on the impact of HS2 on the West Midlands. The roundtable focused on the ongoing impact of the HS2 project and the benefits of improved connectivity, most notably including economic growth, investment, regeneration & job creation.

With Lord Moylan, Chair of the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, the group brought together a diverse cohort of stakeholders to engage in a comprehensive discussion on the intricate challenges of environmental regulations regarding development. Lord Moylan’s incisive analysis shed light on the nuanced dynamics at play, from the tensions between EU laws and domestic regulations to the systemic inefficiencies within the planning system.

With Chris Worrall, member of the Labour Housing Group Executive Committee, and Anthony Breach, Associate Director at Centre for Cities. This meeting aimed to delve into planning and development in the next Parliament, with a strong emphasis on what planning might look like under a Labour government.