2026 programme
8.45 - 9.30
9.30 - 9.35
Introduction
Speaker(s)
- Timothy Morshead KC
9.35 - 10.45
From Reform to Reality: Delivering Growth while Protecting Places 
The Government has introduced an ambitious programme of planning reform to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery. But is the current planning framework equipped to turn those reforms into tangible outcomes while safeguarding environmental and community interests?
This session examines whether the reforms can successfully balance growth, infrastructure delivery, environmental protection and community interests, and what more is needed to move from policy ambition to practical delivery.
Keynote speaker
- Florence Eshalomi
Speaker(s)
- Guy Williams KC
- Alex Goodman KC
10.45 - 11.00
Refreshments
11.00 - 11.45
Who Owns the Future? Rethinking Leasehold, Commonhold and the PRS
Are the regulatory regimes for the private rented sector, long leasehold and commonhold home ownership working adequately?
Speaker(s)
- Justin Bates KC
- Clara Hilger (pupil)
11.45 - 12.30
Taxing Growth: Do Rates and Land Taxes Help or Hinder Development?
What role does land tax have to play in impeding or promoting growth - and what alternatives might there be?
Speaker(s)
- Timothy Morshead KC
12.30 - 13.30
Lunch
13.30 - 14.15
Promoting and Protecting Key Infrastructure
Delivering key national infrastructure is only half the challenge - keeping it secure and operational is equally important. This session will look at current challenges in promoting nationally significant infrastructure, and tools available for protecting it from interference or damage arising from protest activity or cyber threats, including the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill and injunctive relief.
Speaker(s)
- Katharine Holland KC
- Edward Arash-Abedian
- Nick Grant
14.25 - 15.10
Breakout sessions: Guests will be asked to select one topic from each of the breakout sessions
Option 1: Nature v Need? Balancing Housing, Biodiversity and Climate Pressures
How can competing demands such as housing need, biodiversity, climate resilience and economic development be effectively balanced within an increasingly complex legal and policy landscape?
Speakers:
- George Mackenzie
- Claudia Hyde
Option 2: Invisible Obstacles: Rights of Light and Restrictive Covenants
Litigation risks and development constraints in modern schemes.
15.10 - 15.25
Refreshments
15.30 - 16.15
Breakout sessions: Guests will be asked to select one topic from each of the breakout sessions
Option 1: New Towns, New Powers, New Problems
Are proposed reforms to compulsory purchase and development consent regimes sufficient to accelerate delivery?
Option 2: The Viability Wars: CIL, Section 106, Development Delivery and Enforcing the Obligations
Speakers:
- Reuben Taylor KC
- Joel Semakula
16.20 - 17.00
Final Plenary Session: One Reform to Unlock Growth - What One Change is needed for growth - and what policy changes are still required?
A chance to reflect on the day’s key insights, emerging trends, and practical takeaways shaping the legal landscape. Our speakers will offer final perspectives, and guests will have the opportunity to pose questions, explore challenges, and engage directly with our speakers - your closing argument starts here.
17.00 - 19.00