The UK’s land use landscape in 2025 is undergoing significant transformation, with reforms aimed at streamlining the planning process, changes to the leasehold system, local government reorganisation and addressing environmental priorities.

Key initiatives include proposals to speed up (and review) local plans, an increased emphasis on regional spatial strategies, a move away from two-tier local government to unitary authorities, and a ‘comprehensive new legal framework’ for commonhold. The regulation of privatised industry is also under scrutiny, with an Independent Water Commission due to make recommendations this summer on the regulation of the water industry and water company ownership models. Revisions to the environmental permitting regime are under consideration, and biodiversity net gain is also the subject of ongoing consultations. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025 is set to play a pivotal role, accelerating development on brownfield land and boosting the pace of housing and major infrastructure delivery.

This year’s conference will explore some of the key changes and challenges facing the sector, identifying the implications of proposed reforms, and highlighting areas where further change may be necessary. Drawing on the cross-disciplinary expertise of our barristers, the conference will feature a dynamic programme of keynote talks and interactive breakout sessions. These sessions are designed to give attendees the opportunity to explore and discuss key issues in planning, property, public, and environmental law based on their professional focus.

Venue: The View, Royal College of Surgeons, London, WC2A 3PE

Date: Thursday 16 October 2025, all day followed by networking

What delegates enjoyed most about last year’s conference...