Home | Head of planning has voice in UK-wide debate

Head of planning has voice in UK-wide debate

03 March 2010

The head of Shoosmiths' planning law group is among the leading voices in a UK-wide debate on the future of planning and development.

Iain Gilbey is a contributor to Rebuilding Britain: Some thoughts from critical friends, published by leading independent planning and design practice Barton Willmore.

It will be launched at four events – in Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol and London – run in conjunction with community consultation specialist Meeting Place Communications at which movers and shakers will consider how planning and development might look post-General Election.

Gilbey said: “There’s been much speculation in recent months about how policy in this area could change dramatically should there be a Conservative government.

“These events are an opportunity for major players in the industry to air their views on what any future government should be looking at to get development moving again and improve the planning system.”

Barton Willmore senior partner Ian Tant said of the book: “Rather than create a publication full of demands or instructions, our desire is to provide advice – and the ideas presented here could be applied by whoever is in power after the General Election.”

Gilbey’s contribution – which sits alongside others from major housebuilders, leading architects, and journalists – suggests that while planning reform is undoubtedly needed, it should be ‘contemplated in a more stable economic landscape’.

He writes: “Housing and physical infrastructure is needed quickly. Though the planning system is Byzantine in its complexity, further changes now will confuse stakeholders and delay delivery.”

Gilbey is a speaker at the Birmingham launch event.

For further information please contact:
Name: Alastair Gray
Phone: 03700 864096
Email: Alastair.Gray@shoosmiths.co.uk

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