Joanna Averley [Photo MHCLG]
The latest newsletter by Chief Planner of MHCLG, Joanna Averley, was published to local authorities’ planning officers on 18th August 2026.
It draws attention to
- the publication of the new National Planning Policy Framework, including the main changes following consultation as well as the government’s response to the consultation;
- reforms to the statutory consultee system, including changes to the roles and requirements of statutory consultees;
- publication of the 2024 and 2025 Housing Delivery Test results, alongside an updated Rule Book;
- new digital planning tools and guidance, including the rollout of Extract to all local planning authorities and new guidance on using digital tools for site identification and assessment;
- new Sustainable Drainage Systems resources, including national SuDS Strategy Templates and new training for planners; and
- upcoming Green Infrastructure webinars, covering new evidence, mapping tools and practical support for planners and other practitioners.
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Planning, Environment and Transport committee meeting
📅 Thu 8th October | 14:00 - 16:00
🚩 Room B1 70 Cowcross St, EC1M 6EJ (map)
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Annual General Meeting 2026
📆 Wed 28th October | 18:30 - 20:30
🚩 77 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EL (map)
Doors open at 6.00PM with drinks and nibbles available ahead of the formal meeting start at 6.30PM. This will be a meeting in two parts, first the formal business of the AGM, agenda below, followed by a presentation from our Patron Professor Tony Travers. The presentation will be followed by questions and discussion. Please book your place(s) using the booking facility ( https://www.londonforum.org.uk/events/agm-2026#booking ). Please note that according to the constitution ( https://www.londonforum.org.uk/constitution/ ), only member societies will be able to vote in the formal AGM business, one vote per member…