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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.

In this episode of Planning After Dark, Catriona Riddell, Jackie Sadek and Alex Notay take stock of a busy summer for housing, planning and devolution, from Matthew Pennycook’s promotion and the new NPPF to new powers for England’s mayors. The panel examines the government’s ambition to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness, arguing that lasting progress will require much more than providing accommodation. Health, social care, prisons, charities and local government will all need to work together, alongside greater investment in affordable and council housing. They also discuss the challenge of turning housing ambition into delivery, including local authority capacity, funding pressures, public-private partnerships and the need to give councils and public bodies greater freedom to manage risk and try new approaches. The new NPPF is broadly welcomed, but attention now turns to implementation. The panel argues that planners need the confidence to use professional judgement and creativity rather than waiting for policy to prescribe every answer. Devolution runs throughout the conversation, with new mayoral planning powers and spatial development strategies offering an opportunity to better connect housing, infrastructure, investment and economic growth. The episode also explores housing “rightsizing”, the work of the Radix Housing Commission and Jackie’s handover of leadership at the UK Innovation Corridor. As the political agenda moves into a busy autumn, the message is clear: the policies are arriving, but now comes the harder part of delivering them. 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.

In this episode of Planning After Dark, Jackie Sadek and Catriona Riddell are joined by housing and regeneration experts Rose Grayston and Jack Shaw for a wide-ranging discussion about the future of housing, planning and devolution. Recorded during a day of significant political change, the panel reflects on the progress made under Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, including planning reform, renters’ rights, social housing legislation and efforts to strengthen the role of local government. They consider why political continuity, experienced leadership and meaningful engagement with delivery partners will be essential if an ambitious programme of reform is to translate into homes and regeneration on the ground. The conversation explores the urgent need to increase council and social housing, alongside the financial, structural and capacity barriers facing local authorities. Rose argues that solving the housing crisis will require the sector to use every available delivery mechanism rather than relying on a single traditional model of council housebuilding. This partnership-based approach is explored further in her Red Brick article, https://redbrickblog.co.uk/2026/05/how-to-increase-housing-supply-use-every-tool-in-the-box/ The guests also examine viability challenges, spatial development strategies and the risks posed by local government reorganisation. Jackie highlights the potential for spatial development strategies to provide long-term certainty, attract investment and connect housing growth with infrastructure and economic development. Her argument is developed further in the Estates Gazette article, https://www.estatesgazette.co.uk/news/why-spatial-development-strategies-should-be-a-kick-up-the-arse-for-the-economy/ . A major focus of the episode is the ambition to end rough sleeping. Drawing on lessons from Greater Manchester and councils across the country, the panel discusses temporary accommodation, prison release, domestic abuse, support services and the need for coordinated action across Whitehall. They argue that homelessness cannot be solved through housing policy alone, but requires sustained investment, stronger public services and collaboration across government. Rose also introduces the concept of “decline porn”, highly pessimistic and sometimes AI-generated portrayals of British towns and cities that use visible homelessness, tents and deteriorating public spaces as symbols of wider social collapse. The political significance of this emerging online trend is examined further in Prospect’s article, https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/conservatives/conservatives-and-the-british-right/73780/anglofuturism-and-decline-porn-the-brave-new-worlds-of-the-right/. The episode concludes with calls for more ambitious place-based regeneration, stronger development corporations, better engagement with councils and delivery partners, and greater sharing of successful approaches between places. As always, the discussion is candid, informed and occasionally interrupted by breaking political news. It is part planning masterclass, part political therapy session and entirely unfiltered. 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.

In this latest episode of Planning After Dark, the PAD Pod Girls are reunited following a busy few weeks across the planning, housing and regeneration world. Fresh from UKREiiF, Women of Influence celebrations, housing conferences and strategic planning events, Jacqui Sadek, Alex Notay and Catriona Riddell discuss the mood across the sector and ask whether the industry is finally seeing reasons for optimism despite ongoing economic and political uncertainty. The conversation explores the latest developments in planning reform, devolution, local government re-organisation and the future of New Towns, alongside a frank discussion about viability challenges, resourcing pressures and the capacity of local authorities to deliver growth. The team also reflect on the changing role of mayors, the importance of strong place leadership, lessons from successful councils, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools available to planners, politicians and place-makers alike. Along the way, there are reflections on UKREiiF, praise for local government leaders driving change, congratulations for industry award winners, and updates on some of the most exciting initiatives currently taking place across housing, planning and regeneration. As always, it is part planning masterclass, part therapy session and entirely unfiltered. 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.

Recorded live from UKREiiF 2026 in front of a packed audience, the PAD Pod team takes on the big questions facing planning, housing and development right now. With special guests Paul Clark and Gavin Winbanks joining Alex Notay and Jackie Sadik (while Catriona Riddell battles serious FOMO from afar), this special live episode explores what happens when political turbulence collides with ambitious growth agendas. From delivery versus policy, viability challenges and devolution, to place-based investment, local government reform and whether we’re celebrating success enough, the panel asks what actually needs to happen to turn planning permissions into places. Plus: UKREiiF survival tips, debates about mayoral power, the case for stronger local leadership, and why maybe (just maybe) optimism matters more than ever. Featuring audience contributions from across the sector, including discussions on housing delivery, investment, data, local authority leadership and what the industry should really be asking government for next. Recorded live at UKREiiF 2026. Contains strong opinions, occasional woo-woo, and absolutely no ABBA. 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.

In this special episode of Planning After Dark, Jackie, Alex and Catriona are joined by Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz for a wide-ranging, moving and very PAD Pod conversation about leadership, legacy and local government. Rokhsana reflects on her eight years as Mayor, from stepping into Newham’s executive mayoral model and challenging old political cultures, to putting people at the heart of inclusive growth, Olympic legacy, community wealth building and the regeneration of places like Alice Billings House. There’s serious talk on housing, homelessness, renters’ rights, trust in politics, London’s looming local elections and why lived experience matters in public policy. There’s also plenty of classic PAD chaos: fashion watch, If Mayors Ruled the World, Star Wars, House of Cards, ABBA, Sade, Michael Jackson scrapbooks and one very strong motherly mantra: “You don’t need permission to be a leader, just be one.”  Candid, hopeful and full of heart, it’s a conversation about cracking codes, rebuilding trust and what happens when women lead from the front. 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.

Planning After Dark turns one!  And in this anniversary special the PAD Pod marks the occasion with a lively and wide-ranging conversation on the biggest planning stories of the moment. Jackie, Catriona and Alex reflect on a whirlwind first year of the podcast before diving into MIPIM, inward investment and the UK’s patchy international presence, asking what the sector still isn’t getting right about global promotion and delivery. From there, they unpack devolution, spatial development strategies, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the government’s latest new towns announcement - including why seven shortlisted locations may be politically significant, but won’t come close to solving the housing crisis on their own. The episode also explores rightsizing and older people’s housing, with fresh insight from a House of Lords roundtable on how better housing choices later in life could unlock family homes and improve quality of life.  And in a more serious final section, the team discuss the worsening treatment of public sector planners, the pressures of committee culture, and the urgent need to support and retain officers across local government. With reflections on the past year and a look ahead to UKREiiF and the next guest, this is a fittingly full-on start to year two. 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.

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Planning After Dark, Catrina Riddell, Jackie Sadek and Alex Notay are joined by Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England. Helen shares the story behind her journey into politics – from writing letters to MPs as a teenager to leading one of the UK’s most economically dynamic regions. The conversation explores the realities of political leadership, balancing family life with public service, and what the mayoral model can achieve for places like Bristol, Bath and the wider West of England. The discussion covers: The evolving role of metro mayors in EnglandDevolution and the opportunities for the West of EnglandTransport, growth and unlocking developmentWomen in politics and leadershipWhy storytelling matters in civic leadershipAlong the way there’s also talk of karaoke, social media, and the realities of navigating the planning and development world. A lively, thoughtful and occasionally chaotic conversation about place, politics and the people shaping the future of our cities. 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.

In this episode of Planning After Dark, Alex and Catriona are joined by Gavin Winbanks, founder of Whitehawk Green (stepping in for Jackie) for a wide-ranging conversation on planning reform, inward investment and why the UK so often struggles to move from strategy to delivery. Recorded amid political and geopolitical noise, the discussion opens by asking whether the biggest changes to planning, local government and devolution in a generation are being drowned out - and whether the system can stay the course long enough to make them work. Catriona reflects on local government reorganisation (LGR), mayoral authorities and the opportunity to rebuild planning capacity, skills and confidence at scale. Bringing an investor’s perspective, Gavin challenges the sector to think beyond plan-making and towards implementation: how places present themselves to the market, why the “wall of capital” is smaller than we pretend, and why certainty, clarity and consistency matter more than perfect policies. The conversation ranges across regeneration, brownfield delivery, institutional investment, the loss of regional strategies, and what the UK can learn from international examples. The panel also takes on risk aversion, legal defensiveness and perfection paralysis in planning, alongside a forward-looking discussion on economic identity, sector focus and the role of mayors in unlocking growth. The episode closes with reflections on MIPIM, housing delivery, celebrating success - and a welcome return of Angela Rayner Fashion Watch. Big questions, strong opinions and a familiar PAD message: stop polishing the plans, and start getting things built. 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.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026. In this opening episode of the year, join Catriona, Alex and Jackie for a frank, funny and thoughtful stocktake of 2025 - a year of big promises, heavy lifting and hard-earned foundations - and a look ahead to what 2026 could mean for planning, housing and place leadership. The conversation begins with a temperature check on 2025: landmark funding announcements, planning reform, the return of strategic planning after years in the wilderness, and renewed attention on housing delivery. The trio reflect on whether last year felt transformative or frustratingly flat, debating political will, the challenge of maintaining focus in a volatile world, and whether government spent much of the year rebuilding what had been stripped away rather than visibly moving forward. Alex shares reflections from her first days in her new role as Chief Executive of the Housing Forum, talking candidly about what she’s seeing on the ground: the loss of public-sector housing expertise, the slow thawing of development activity, and early signs that confidence may finally be returning among registered providers and investors. From payroll realities to big-picture reform, her experience offers a timely lens on what delivery really looks like as the sector enters 2026. From there, the discussion turns to what “delivery, delivery, delivery” actually means in practice. How do we move from legislation, consultation and reform to homes being built, infrastructure delivered and lives improved? The episode explores the tension between evidence-based policy and the need for bold thinking in a fast-changing, social-media-driven environment and why sometimes evidence should expose options rather than dictate outcomes. Looking ahead, the hosts dig into some of the most significant themes shaping 2026: local government reorganisation and capacity, the evolving role of combined authorities, public land and regeneration, and the importance of leadership at every scale. Jackie talks openly about her journey from sceptic to participant in the ambitious Forest City proposal - a radical attempt to rethink scale, disruption and delivery in response to a broken housing system. Katrina makes the case for strategic planning as a long-term, outcome-driven tool for reimagining places and improving lives, rather than simply managing growth. Along the way, there are reflections on inward investment, regional growth, institutional capital, regeneration at scale (from the Olympic Park to Bristol Temple Quarter), and the need for optimism, bravery and collaboration in a sector that has taken a battering. Optimistic without being naïve, challenging without being cynical, this episode sets the tone for Planning After Dark in 2026: encouraging the sector to be bolder, think differently, celebrate progress where it exists, and, occasionally, to take a chance. 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.

Welcome to our first ever festive edition of Planning After Dark - and we’ve gone full Christmas chaos. Santa Catriona arrives in a jingling hat and squeaky leather trousers, Jackie brings the political fire, Alex attempts to keep order, and for the first time ever, we welcome three extremely brave expert gents into the PAD Pod mayhem. Joining us for mince pies, gossip and serious policy chat are: Jonathan Bower, Partner and Head of Planning at Womble Bond Dickinson,Paul Clark, co-founder of Stories Partners and newly crowned PAD Pod superfan, andMichael Keaveney, Director of Land & Development at Grainger and LinkedIn’s unofficial housing truth-teller.In this bumper Christmas special, we unwrap everything from the real subsidy required to build social rent homes, through to local plan fight clubs, the rise of celebrity planning lawyers, temporary accommodation pressures, and the surprising connection between Womble Bond Dickinson and Granger (yes, really). There’s Number 10 gossip, investment-sector honesty, a deep dive on viability, a passionate defence of planners, and, naturally, a brief strip-tease reveal of un-official Planning After Dark merch. And, in true PAD Pod style, Alex hands out bottles of “champagne-ish” fizz complete with custom Château PAD Pod labels. Chaotic, candid and Christmassy: it’s the perfect end to 2025. As mentioned in the episode, to find out more about Making Social Rent Homes Viable, head to homesforpeopleweneed.co.uk. 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.

In this whirlwind episode of Planning After Dark, the PAD Pod Girls return with stories from across the planning universe, from South African sustainability summits to strategic planning in Glasgow, and even a Surrey conference where teenagers declare the county “for old people.” Alex brings sunshine, steak and an 8:30am hangover from her trip to South Africa, Cartriona reflects on the joys (and accents) of planning back in Scotland, and Jackie battles through rail summits, parliamentary receptions and a national mood flatter than a stalled housing market. Together they take on the big beasts:  Decarbonising ageing homes and the new Homes Without Harm report The eternal agony of land value capture (“45 years of pain!”) Local government reform and the fear of doom loops Planning reform ping-pong between Commons and Lords Devolution power plays, Burnham’s billion-pound boldness & tourism taxes The Hokey Cokey Budget and a sector desperate for something - anything - to liftThere’s praise for unsung heroes (hello, Matt Pennycook), a shout-out to the Nicky Gavron Memorial Award, and a teaser for the Christmas special featuring an all-male lineup brave enough to face the PAD Pod Girls. It’s half therapy session, half planning masterclass, with a lot of laughs and plenty of straight-talking commentary - just what thousands of loyal listeners keep coming back for. Onwards and upwards! 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.

In the second of a two-part special of Planning After Dark, Catriona, Jackie, and Alex have plenty to catch up on - and a big announcement to celebrate. Alex shares her exciting news about becoming the next Chief Executive of the Housing Forum, and the trio dive into what that means for the sector at a time of huge change. From Munich to Guildhall, the team unpacks what they learned at Expo Real and London Real Estate Forum - where global investment, housing delivery, and building safety dominated the agenda. They discuss the latest from Parliament and the Party Conferences, including Labour’s “Build Baby Build” slogan, the New Towns Commission, and what’s next for planning reform and devolution. And, as always, it’s not all policy and politics - they explore why “fun” should be a leadership strategy, why housing delivery needs fresh thinking, and what makes this sector worth getting out of bed for (even after a late night). 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.

In this first-part-of-two episode, the trio unpack the Deputy Prime Minister’s dramatic resignation and Steve Reed’s arrival at MHCLG, complete with early tie reviews and cautious optimism for continuity. They dissect the ripple effects of the reshuffle - from local government reform and devolution to the new faces shaking up the planning world - and take a detour through fashion faux pas, Nick Walkley’s surprise exit, and the mystery of the five-banded weevil wasp. There’s serious talk too: from the RADS Housing Commission’s decarbonisation push, to the progress (and pitfalls) of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the future of new towns, and why the “Golden Triangle” might just be turning into a golden blob. Pour yourself something strong - it’s Planning After Dark. 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.

We’re back from summer and straight into the deep end - breach births, dry robes, and the chaos of English devolution.  Alex, Catriona and Jackie take on the new Devo Bill, the surprise appointment at Homes England, and whether London’s housing woes mean the GLA has had its day. Cambridge gets a grilling for its ever-expanding layers of governance, and we cast a sceptical eye over the latest “build everything now” campaigners.  Plus: the New Towns Taskforce, fashion watch (yes, really), and a few confessions of podcast promiscuity.  It’s classic PAD; policy, politics and plenty of giggles, with a few sharp elbows thrown in. 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.