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The UK’s land use landscape in 2025 is undergoing significant transformation, with reforms aimed at streamlining the planning process, changes to the leasehold system, local government reorganisation and addressing environmental priorities.
Key initiatives include proposals to speed up (and review) local plans, an increased emphasis on regional spatial strategies, a move away from two-tier local government to unitary authorities, and a ‘comprehensive new legal framework’ for commonhold. The regulation of privatised industry is also under scrutiny, with an Independent Water Commission due to make recommendations this summer on the regulation of the water industry and water company ownership models. Revisions to the environmental permitting regime are under consideration, and biodiversity net gain is also the subject of ongoing consultations. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025 is set to play a pivotal role, accelerating development on brownfield land and boosting the pace of housing and major infrastructure delivery.
Guest headline speaker - Sir Andy Street
Sir Andy Street served as the first Mayor of the West Midlands from 2017 to 2024, helping to establish the West Midlands Combined Authority and oversee a huge influx of public and private investment into his home region. Prior to that he was managing director of John Lewis (having started his career there as a graduate trainee), guiding the employee-owned business to one of the most successful spells in its history – culminating in the department store chain being named the most trusted brand in Britain. He currently chairs Birmingham Repertory Theatre, and previously chaired the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. He has also served as the lead non-executive director for the Department for Communities and Local Government, as well as a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group. He was awarded a CBE in 2015 for services to economic growth, and was knighted in 2025 for services to public service.
This year’s conference will explore some of the key changes and challenges facing the sector, identifying the implications of proposed reforms, and highlighting areas where further change may be necessary. Drawing on the cross-disciplinary expertise of our barristers, the conference will feature a dynamic programme of keynote talks and interactive breakout sessions. These sessions are designed to give attendees the opportunity to explore and discuss key issues in planning, property, public, and environmental law based on their professional focus.
8.45am Registration & Refreshments
9.30am Introduction - Tim Morshead KC
9.35am Reorganise, Reflect, Reform - Uniting Housing Reform and Development - Keynote Speaker Sir Andy Street, James Maurici KC, David Forsdick KC, Melissa Murphy KC
What does local government reorganisation mean for planning, environmental concerns and local government finance? What lessons can be learned from 20+ years of Combined Authorities, particularly given the impetus towards more and more powers for such regional authorities?
10.45am Refreshments
11.00am Brick by Policy Brick - Uniting Housing Reform and Development - Paul Brown KC, Reuben Taylor KC, Ellodie Gibbons
Is the ambition to build 1.5 million new homes compatible with leasehold reform and reform of the private rented sector?
11.45am Protecting Public Assets - A greater role for the private sector? - Katharine Holland KC, Matthew Reed KC, Charles Bishop
With the water industry under scrutiny, and increasing use of litigation by individuals or groups to protect the environment, we ask, are current regulatory regimes working? What role could the private sector play? Are private law causes of action fit for that purpose?
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Wired for Change - Planning, Property and Power - Richard Turney KC, Katie Helmore, Odette Chalaby
Energy infrastructure planning, regulatory change, and implications for proprietary rights. What changes are in the offing and how might they overcome past obstacles to delivery?
14.25
Money, Money, Money - Luke Wilcox, Katharine Elliot
This session will consider proposed, or potential, changes to the valuation of land in the context of compulsory purchase (in particular, New Towns), the 2026 Revaluation, and council tax, and consider what this may mean for local authorities, landowners, and developers more generally.
Planning for Change - Matthew Dale-Harris, Dr Ashley Bowes
This session will explore the changes proposed to the NSIP, local plan and local planning decision-making processes, including NDMPs.
15.10 Refreshments
15.30
Renters’ Rights - Power to the People? - Justin Bates KC
What does the Renters' Rights Bill mean for the future of the private rented sector?
Concrete Plans, Green Promises - James Maurici KC, Ben Fullbrook
This session will explore the tension which has arisen between the drive to speed up infrastructure and housing delivery, and commitments for environmental protection, in particular, those arising from the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
16.20 Final Plenary Session - Closing Remarks & Live Q&A - Tim Morshead KC, Matthew Reed KC, Hashi Mohamed
A chance to reflect on the day’s key insights, emerging trends, and practical takeaways shaping the legal landscape. Our speakers will offer final perspectives, and you'll have the opportunity to pose questions, explore challenges, and engage directly with our speakers - your closing argument starts here.
17.00 Networking Drinks & Canapés
