The planning system continues to face mounting pressure to move beyond consultation, policy drafting and process towards delivery, implementation and investment. Against a backdrop of housing need, infrastructure constraints, economic uncertainty and continuing reform of the planning system, this year’s conference title – A little less consultation, a little more action please – reflects the growing call for clearer decisions, practical solutions and tangible outcomes.

The conference will explore how planning, infrastructure and development can be delivered more effectively in a rapidly changing environment. Alex Notay will open the conference with Planning with the Market in Mind, examining the relationship between planning, investment and delivery. Tom Carpen will provide a critical reflection on planning for water infrastructure and future supply challenges, while Sophie White will consider how successful regeneration and placemaking can be delivered through partnership working.

David Bird will explore vision-led transport and its implications for development and place-making, and Roy Pinnock will examine how Special Development Orders and other alternative routes to consent can help deliver schemes at scale and at pace. Zack Simons KC will consider why national planning policy often fails to achieve its objectives – and how it might work better in practice – followed by the ever-popular legal update from Isabella Tafur KC.

The conference papers and discussions will provide practical and technical insight to support day-to-day work across:

• National planning policy and reform
• Infrastructure planning and delivery
• Water infrastructure and future supply
• Regeneration and partnership delivery
• Transport and place-making
• Consenting routes for major development
• Development orders and alternative delivery models
• Legal update and recent case law

Following last year’s sell-out conference, we strongly advise early booking and taking advantage of the discounted early bird fee.