The West Midlands Problem (plus Grey Belt and some other stuff)

About this episode

The episode discusses the West Midlands' interest in Spatial Development Strategies and various planning issues with guests.

Sam Stafford was in Birmingham recently and took the opportunity to catch up with friends of the podcast Mike Best , Kathryn Ventham and Michelle Simpson-Gallego at PodHaus studios in Digbeth. They talked about why the recent consultation on areas for producing Spatial Development Strategies seemed to generate more interest in the West Midlands than other parts of the country (an issue for which this episode has named); they talked about the politics of Grey Belt; they talked about some live development management issues, including LPAs basing decisions on unpublished evidence; and they touched on PINS’ recent performance. Some accompanying reading. Areas for producing spatial development strategies Will the real West Midlands please stand up? Elections 2026 How Long Are Local Plan Examinations Taking? Planning After Dark LIVE at UKREiiF with Cratus Group Toxic Communications and Relational Planning SM sites for SME builders Some accompanying viewing. What the local election results mean for housebuilding Some accompanying listening. City Minutes: The Croydon planning experiment The Nightingales - Gales Doc Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider…

People in this episode

Host: Sam Stafford

Guests: Mike Best, Kathryn Ventham, Michelle Simpson-Gallego

Topics covered

• Spatial Development Strategies
• West Midlands
• Grey Belt
• Development Management
• Local Plan Examinations
• Politics

Keywords

• West Midlands
• Spatial Development Strategies
• Grey Belt
• development management
• local plans
• PINS
• politics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PINS, Cratus Group

Books & works: City Minutes: The Croydon planning experiment, The Nightingales - Gales Doc

Places: Birmingham, West Midlands

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