Attend
All you need to know about this year’s programme, speakers, venue, and more...
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.
🚴♂️ JPLC Networking Cycle Ride – Reading via the Chilterns to Oxford
Calling all cyclist attendees: JPLC invite you to join a friendly networking cycle ride on Friday 18 September, starting in Reading at 11am. The route takes us over the Chilterns on quiet country roads for a relaxed 50–60km ride, paced to suit the group, with a leisurely lunch stop before finishing in Oxford at New College Gardens by 4pm. A support van and luggage transfer will accompany the ride, with an option for bicycle return to London. Further details can be found below. To register your interest, please email lucinda@jplc.org.
Programme
- 16:30–17:00
Arrival, registration, and tea
- 17:00–19:00
Newcomer’s welcome tea with organising committee
- 19:00–20:00
Drinks reception
- 20:00
Informal dinner
chair
Claire Dutch
Expert speakers for 2026
Expert speakers for 2026
Sophie White
Sophie White is Sector Lead for Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, where she leads the identification and delivery of capital investment opportunities across real estate and place-based development. She focuses on partnerships that unlock long-term, sustainable regeneration and drive economic and social value.
Prior to joining Aviva, Sophie spent nine years at Homes England as Director of Infrastructure Funding, overseeing the agency’s major grant and debt programmes that enable infrastructure delivery alongside new developments .Her earlier career spans fourteen years in consultancy with Savills, Drivers Jonas, and Deloitte Real Estate.
Sophie has extensive experience in the viability and funding of mixed-use regeneration schemes and has a particular interest in the growth and impact of the Build to Rent sector.
Alongside her executive role, Sophie serves on the boards of the London Bioscience Innovation Centre and the Royal Veterinary College.
Prices
All bookings will be confirmed immediately by automated email. You will have the option to download an invoice and a copy will also be included in the email – please check your junk folder. If you do not receive the email within 3 mins of booking Please for a copy as your server may block the automated email address.
Once bookings have been made payment is due within 14 days of issue. Please see terms and conditions below.
- £
899.00
+ VATEarly bird
Price is valid until 30 June 2026, 10:59 PM
- £
999.00
+ VATFull
- £
480.00
+ VAT“Next Gen” Scholarship
- £
199.00
+ VATDigital
Accommodation
Free
Standard Ensuite Accommodation (New College)
- £
84.00
+ VATUpgraded Ensuite Accommodation (New College Gradel Quadrangles)
Opportunities
Car Parking
We encourage delegates to travel by public transport where possible. Oxford is well served by regular train services and the city also offers convenient Park & Ride facilities on its outskirts, operated by the City Council.
For those who need to drive, a limited number of parking spaces are available approximately a 10-minute walk from New College. These are offered at a weekend rate of £50 + VAT, allocated on a first-come first-served basis and subject to availability.
Rhodes House: The Conference Venue
We are pleased to confirm that the JPLC Conference will continue to be held at Rhodes House for the next few years. The venue has received consistently positive feedback from attendees and offers excellent facilities well suited to the Conference.
The Conference was previously hosted at Oxford Union. While refurbishment works there are now complete, feedback from delegates indicated that Rhodes House provides a stronger overall experience and there are currently no plans to return.
We are aware of the wider conversations taking place within and beyond the University regarding the Rhodes Trust. The Trust continues to review and critically engage with its history and legacy, including through the reimagining of Rhodes House. Further information is available here).
As always, the JPLC Committee is committed to widening and diversifying participation in this and future conferences. We do so through initiatives such as our “Next Generation” Scholarships and by actively encouraging applications from individuals and groups historically under-represented at the event, many of whom will be attending for the first time.
Accommodation & Dinners: New College, Oxford
Conference dinners are held in the stunning surroundings of New College Hall, one of Oxford’s most historic and atmospheric venues. Drinks receptions take place in the cloisters and beautiful gardens, weather permitting, a truly unforgettable experience that combines tradition, elegance and exceptional hospitality. Accommodation is provided in comfortable ensuite study bedrooms within the college grounds, allowing delegates to stay right in the heart of Oxford’s historic setting.
Accommodation Upgrade – Gradel Quadrangles
For those seeking a more premium stay, upgraded accommodation is available in the newly built Gradel Quadrangles at New College, for an additional charge. Learn more about this impressive new development below.
Gradel Quadrangles Accommodation Upgrade
Terms & Conditions of Booking
- Delegates are members of the RICS, RTPI, the Law Society, the Bar or another professional body.
- Registration is considered binding immediately. Payment is required within 14 days of booking. Early bird fee must be paid by end of June (or within 14 days of invoice) otherwise full participation fee will be due.
- Numbers are limited and bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
- Once the booking is placed online you are liable for full payment of the invoice.
- Refunds will be given for cancellations made in writing before 7 August 2026 less an administration charge of £100 + VAT. No refunds will be given after this date and unpaid invoices for the full fee of any person cancelling after this date will still be due. Substitute delegates will be accepted.
- VAT will be charged at the prevailing UK rate.
- The organisers reserve the right to vary the speakers and content within the overall objectives of the conference.
- Each Attendee requires their own place on the conference.
- The organisers accept no responsibility for views expressed or contained in the conference documentation.
Is the JPLC for me?
If you’ve read through our FAQs and browsed our website but you’re still not quite sure if JPLC Oxford is the conference for you, we’d be happy to talk to you directly to help guide your decision. Please contact us.