Mayors, Money and the Messy Business of Delivery

In this episode of Planning After Dark, Alex joins from down the line while Jackie and Catriona settle into a suitably pink new studio – and discover that Fashion Watch has officially taken on a life of its own.

The trio start with the first allocations from the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, looking at what they could mean for councils, registered providers and the Government’s wider housing ambitions. With the 1.5 million homes target back under scrutiny, they ask the bigger question: how do we move from ambitious numbers to actually getting homes built?

Then it is back to one of the PAD Pod’s favourite subjects – mayors. Catriona reports back on the podcast’s unofficial set text, If Mayors Ruled the World, prompting a wider discussion about mayoral leadership, strategic planning and why devolution could increasingly shape where investment goes and how growth is delivered.

There is also plenty to unpack on local government reorganisation. With LGR paused but devolution continuing, Jackie, Catriona and Alex consider what happens next, whether the two agendas need to be separated more clearly and what Surrey’s progress might tell us about making reform work.

Planning reform, local authority capacity, London’s viability challenge and the need for cultural change across the planning system all come under the spotlight too – alongside the question of whether stronger strategic authorities can finally connect planning, infrastructure, housing and investment more effectively.

And, because it wouldn’t be Planning After Dark without ending on something a little more optimistic, Alex shares what she found on a visit to Brabazon in Bristol – a major development offering a reminder that ambitious, high-quality regeneration really can happen.

Plus: book club, conference season, the return of Fashion Watch and the important question of whether boiling water is ever an acceptable podcast refreshment.

Get in touch! Message us at [email protected]

Planning After Dark is the bold and insightful podcast where three powerhouse women in planning and development – Alex Notay, Catriona Riddell, and Jackie Sadek – shine a light on the industry’s biggest challenges, trends, and, yes, even a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip.

From navigating the complexities of development to debating the future of our cities, Planning After Dark is the no-holds-barred discussion you won’t want to miss.

Powered by Cratus Group, new episodes drop monthly on all major streaming platforms.