PAS 20th Anniversary Conference in Birmingham Feb 2025 was our milestone event for local authority officers leading planning services. Our conference presented an invaluable and exclusive opportunity to explore the latest government changes shaping planning services, including a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The conference was delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and guests from local government and the private sector.
Thanks to everyone that attended and contributed to the conference, these conferences only work with your fantastic input.
The agenda and material from the two day conference can be found below.
DAY 1: Planning reform & setting the foundations for change
Slides from main room sessions including Sarah Scannell, Asst Director Planning, Birmingham City Council, & from Joanna Averley (the Government's Chief Planner):
Day 1 Session recordings:
Introduction Anna Rose (Head of PAS), & Keynote presentation from Sarah Scannell Asst Director Planning, Birmingham City Council
Day 1 Seminar session slides:
Smarter infrastructure planning in a changing policy landscape
This seminar explores practical ways to enhance infrastructure planning, emphasising collaboration across boundaries and stakeholder engagement. We focus on aligning strategic and local projects, particularly amid evolving policies like strategic development strategies and the shift to unitary councils.
Nature & Planning; what's next?
This seminar took a deep dive into key developments in environmental planning to gain insights into planning reforms, the Development and Nature Recovery working paper, and recent policy changes. There was a Q&A with MHCLG and we explored practical strategies to support officers and councillors in adapting to these policy shifts. We have shared a blog on LinkedIn reflecting on our discussions in this session.
The Plan Making Score
A hands-on seminar exploring culture, people and process. We identify barriers, celebrate bold ideas and create clear actions, so we can deliver local plans faster, smarter and better-focusing on what we can control.
Modernising Planning Committees
Be among the first to discover key findings from the national PAS Planning Committee survey and play an active role in shaping best practice guidance. This interactive session covers the top 10 factors of a successful Planning Committee, drawing from diverse council experiences. Delegates will also have the unique opportunity to vote on Government proposals, directly influencing policy decisions and getting their voices heard!
Day 2 - Leading innovation, organisational change & delivering resilient services
Anna Rose (Head of PAS) & Pooja Agrawal, Chief Executive Public Practice discuss ways of maximising resources in planning services:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Day 2 Seminar Sessions
Leading innovation, organisational change & delivering resilient services with Brett Leahy, Strategic Director of Planning, Growth & Infrastructure, Enfield Council
How can planning services stay resilient while embracing bold leadership? This session explores managing change, tackling challenges, and daring to do things differently. Hear real-world insights, devise “unthinkable” solutions, and leave with a challenge to take one bold step.
We hear from
Going Digital - with Matt Wood-Hill (MHCLG Digital Lead) & Jenna Rumley (Open Digital Lead at Doncaster Council)
We hear from MHCLG’s digital team on the progress so far, and one of the councils who has been part of Open Digital Planning for years. We share some ideas about what might be next, and how leaders of services can prepare for a more digital future. If you can feel the potential that better ICT and use of data can bring but don’t know where to start this session is for you.
Local Government Re-organisation and Planning with Sean Anstee, Devon & Torbay Combined Authority
Prepare for the impact of devolution and local government reorganisation! This seminar explores how these changes will affect planning and how local authorities can adapt smoothly. Hear insights from those in newly formed and combined authorities.