‘Shaping London’s Future’ draws development, legal and planning heavyweights to Landmark’s 2025 Planning Conference

On 23 September 2025, Landmark Chambers hosted a high-profile gathering of the capital’s leaders in planning, development, law and local government at the Grand Connaught Rooms for the inaugural Planning Conference - Shaping London’s Future. The full-day event explored the challenges and opportunities in guiding London’s built environment under the incoming London Plan.

With topics ranging from affordable housing viability and carbon reduction to heritage protection, tall buildings and logistics infrastructure, the programme included insightful analysis and debate. Speakers included key figures such as Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration & Fire Services, alongside a number of barristers from Landmark, senior consultants, and local government representatives.

• Landmark speakers - Jenny Wigley KC, Russell Harris KC, Rupert Warren KC, Reuben Taylor KC, Matthew Reed KC, Melissa Murphy KC, Zack Simons KC, Andrew Byass, Heather Sargent, Matthew Dale-Harris and Odette Chalaby

• Guest speakers: Dr. Chris Miele, Montagu Evans, James Brierley, Newmark, Tom Dobson, Quod, Rob Krzyszowski, Haringey Council, Jonathan Stoddart, CBRE, Jonathan Marginson, DP9, Ben Kelway, Lichfields

Highlights and themes

• Legal insight from our barristers formed a backbone to the sessions, offering clarity on how policy shifts will be interpreted and challenged.
• Debate on Green Belt reform, design quality, and the consenting process underscored the tension between development pressures and conservation objectives.
• The interface of infrastructure and logistics with planning policy took centre stage, reflecting London’s growing need for more integrated transport, delivery, and servicing systems.
• The event also provided a platform for officials from the Greater London Authority, borough planning departments and top consultancies to share perspectives on implementing the new London Plan.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with speakers during networking breaks and an evening reception of drinks and canapés. The conference left participants better equipped to navigate the evolving policy landscape and to participate in shaping London’s future developments.

As London moves into a new planning era, look out for dates for our 2026 Planning Conference early next year. 

Landmark Chambers' barristers are expected to be advising on all aspects of the new London Plan. If you require assistance with preparing representations, please contact our Practice Managers for support.