With significant reforms to the UK's planning and development sector being made since Labour came to power in July last year, RICS' annual Planning and Development Conference – to be held at its Parliament Square HQ on 7 October – will cover key issues affecting members' practice.
Presentations and discussions will cover:
- government progress towards its target of building 1.5m homes
- whether demand-side incentives such as help to buy, and accelerated construction will be required
- reviews of the green and grey belts and the golden rules
- the New Towns Taskforce, site selection and the scope of development corporations
- the implementation of environmental regulations on biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality
- the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
- development of infrastructure on large development sites
- revised planning guidance on the Community Infrastructure Levy and section 106 reforms
- CPD requirements for digital transformation and data in planning.
In addition, our expert speakers will discuss in more detail the challenges for developers and landowners in meeting the government's housebuilding ambitions. These include:
- sufficient land suitable for development being allocated in up-to-date local plans
- striking a balance between the need for more housing and compliance with increasing environmental regulation, such as biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality measures
- sustaining positive market conditions that will reduce development risk.
Specialists will focus on how these often conflicting aims, which affect viability, can be resolved in practice.
Another growth area in the sector is the need to understand the capabilities of the digital and AI environment and know their limitations and how best to apply them, to reduce time spent researching planning history, for example. Specialists in these areas will update members on rapid technological changes, such as the use of AI in planning.
The conference's welcome return to RICS' London HQ also presents an opportunity for delegates who haven't already used the new member facilities to see the range of workspaces and rooms available. We look forward to seeing you there in October.
Book your ticket now to ensure you don't miss out. An early-bird deal is available until 11 September.