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Join us on 9 December for the Planning Innovation Forum, where experts and practitioners from planning, transport, energy, and related sectors will come together to explore how digital, integrated, and strategic approaches can shape the future of planning in England. 

Amid the latest waves of devolution and planning reform, the government is reintroducing strategic planning through the establishment of Spatial Development Strategies and new strategic authorities across England. These reforms signal a renewed focus on coordinated, long-term planning to address housing, infrastructure, decarbonisation, and economic growth in a more holistic way. 

At the same time, the increasing accessibility and standardisation of planning and geospatial data offers new opportunities to connect datasets across sectors and regions, unlocking insights for evidence-based, cross-sector decision-making and optimised infrastructure investment. 

As part of Connected Places Catapult’s Future of Planning 2.0 programme, this half-day event will combine thought-provoking talks with an interactive workshop to explore how digital innovation, integrated data, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen strategic planning at regional and sub-regional levels, and inform the development of a new digital prototype. A networking session will follow the main discussion. 

If you are interested in participating, please apply via the link. Capacity is limited to 60 participants, and selection will be made to ensure a balanced mix of perspectives. 

Confirmed speakers include: 

Dr Wei Yang OBE – CEO, Digital Taskforce for Planning

Catriona Riddell – Director, Catriona Riddell & Associates

Nick Parlantzas – Head of Data Science, MHCLG

Rob Singleton – Head of Planning, Housing and Transport, DfT 

Lisa Fairmaner – Associate Director, Arup

Kate Ashworth – Head of Energy Infrastructure, West Midlands Combined Authority

Agenda: 

13:30 - 14:00 Arrival

14:00 - 14:50 Digitally Enable, Integrated Planning Session

14:50 - 15:00 Break

15:00 - 15:50 Strategic Planning Session

15:50 - 16:00 Break

16:00 - 17:30 Workshop - Prototype Use Cases Exploration

17:30 - 19:00 Networking Drinks