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Artwork for 50 Shades of Planning

50 Shades of Planning

Samuel Stafford
Housing Delivery
Planning Magazine
Brownfield Development
Sustainable Development
Planning Performance Agreements
National Planning Policy Framework
Local Authorities
Local Planning Authorities
Pre-Application Advice
Section 106 Agreements
Planning Reform Day
Green Belt
Planning Reform
Planning Law
Local Authority Finances
Community Engagement
Compensation Payments
Project Management
Town Planning
Section 106 Contributions

50 Shades of Planning is Sam Stafford’s attempt to explore the foibles of the English planning system and it's aim is to cover the breadth of the sector both in terms of topics of conversation and in terms of guests with different experiences and perspectives.

50 Shades episodes include 'Hitting The High Notes', which are a series of conversations with leading planning and property figures. The c... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes161Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsGovernment

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Artwork for 50 Shades of Planning

Latest Episodes

Sam Stafford was in Manchester last week and took the opportunity to catch up with friends of the podcast Lisa Tye, Andrew Johnston and Louise Fountain to discuss some of the issues of the day.

In a conversation recorded at Reform Radio they talke... more

Strategic planning, as Sam Stafford said in the introduction to episode number 157, is back. That episode looked at what shape it is in right now. What have authorities been able to do whilst awaiting the consolidation of the Planning & Infrastructur... more

Sam Stafford was in Birmingham recently and took the opportunity to record the first ‘catch up’-style episode with some of his friends working in the West Midlands.

In a conversation recorded at PodHaus studios, Kathryn Ventham, Myles Wild-Smith, M... more

In October 2025 Sam Stafford came across a blog by Jack Airey, who is now a Director at Public First but was the Head of Planning at Policy Exchange and subsequently spent a few years inside Number 10 as a Special Advisor to the Prime Minister. The o... more

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Recent Guests

Lisa Tye
Planning Lawyer at Town Legal
Town Legal
Episode: Appeal Ready
Andrew Johnston
Founder, Consultancy Made It Together
Consultancy Made It Together
Episode: Appeal Ready
Louise Fountain
Associate Director in the Urban Design Team at SLR
SLR
Episode: Appeal Ready
Jack Airey
Director at Public First and former head of planning at Policy Exchange
Public First
Episode: How Does Bad Policy Get Made?
Simon Gallagher
Former Director of Planning in the Department for Communities and Local Government
Department for Communities and Local Government
Episode: How Does Bad Policy Get Made?
Rachel Maclean
Former Minister of State for Housing and Planning, now Baroness Maclean of Redditch
Episode: How Does Bad Policy Get Made?
Steve Quartermain
Former Chief Planner
Episode: How Does Bad Policy Get Made?
Melissa Neighbour
Founder and Principal Planner at Sky Planning in Sydney
Sky Planning
Episode: All Around the World - Australia
Paul Smith
Managing Director at the Strategic Land Group and a Housing Today columnist
Strategic Land Group
Episode: All Around the World - Australia

Host

Sam Stafford
Host of 50 Shades of Planning, focused on exploring the English planning system with a mix of policy discussion and guest perspectives.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 75 ratings
  • Friendly Informative Chat

    Tackling current planning and build environment issues- is an accessible friendly sometime challenging way. Learn more -Feel part of the conversation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Macplanner
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Planning pod cast

    A great cross sector pod cast. Should be compulsory listening for all planners.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AndrewJTaylor
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • By planners for planners

    This is where to come to fully immerse yourself in the intricacies of the planning system - topical, often funny, great guests and a warm atmosphere

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    1284749603
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Planners perspectives

    It’s great to hear the first hand experience of planners from across the spectrum.

    On life lessons episode. Some great advice! I would also advocate this to any planner, whatever their point on their career path.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bearwalton
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Excellent

    Well done, very interesting!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Zaragreg
    United Kingdom5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Topical, occasionally humorous, with a warm hosting style.
Some listeners feel at times that the show could diversify guest expertise.
Friendly and informative discussions on planning and the build environment.
A strong cross-section of guests and clear, accessible analysis.
Great for planners at all levels; the host and guests offer practical insights.
A niche but highly valuable resource for those in or around planning and policy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#22
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#49
China/Government
Apple Podcasts
#73
South Africa/Government
Apple Podcasts
#88
New Zealand/Government
Apple Podcasts
#138
Ireland/Government
Apple Podcasts
#168
India/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

We❤️Planning
Q: What is the current sentiment regarding local authority planners?
There's a recognition that while some local authorities are proactive, many are still lagging behind and not fully embracing the pro-growth agenda, which adds to the pressure on planners.
We❤️Planning
Q: What are the current challenges in the planning sector regarding planning applications?
The sector is facing delays due to statutory consultees and various hurdles that complicate the process of securing planning permissions.
All Around the World - USA
Q: How do recent liberal zoning codes affect housing outcomes in the US?
Places with more liberal zoning codes generally build more housing and have better affordability outcomes compared to restrictive areas.
All Around the World - USA
Q: Can the state government intervene in local zoning decisions?
The state could theoretically intervene, but the politics of repealing zoning would be too toxic, though states can impose limits on local authorities.
All Around the World - USA
Q: What is the relationship between federal and local governments in the US concerning zoning ordinances?
Localities operate with authority granted by states, which ultimately do not exist in the US Constitution; land use regulations come from states delegating police power to localities.

Audience Metrics

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Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About 50 Shades of Planning

What is 50 Shades of Planning about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Analyses and conversations center on planning policy, housing affordability, governance, and the practical realities of delivering development in the UK. Episodes frequently explore how national policy interacts with local decision-making, the role of statutory consultees, and the politics surrounding planning reforms. Across guests—from former planners and ministers to legal professionals and policy commentators—the show often dives into real-world case studies, hands-on experiences, and the tensions between ambition and bureaucracy. A noteworthy feature is the recurring deep-dive with a rotating cast of planning professionals and academics, plus occasional international perspectives, which helps listeners understand how planning systems w... more

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Which podcasts are similar to 50 Shades of Planning?

These podcasts share a similar audience with 50 Shades of Planning:

1. Room 106
2. Have We Got Planning News For You
3. Planning After Dark
4. The Planning Podcast
5. The Rest Is Politics

How many episodes of 50 Shades of Planning are there?

50 Shades of Planning launched 7 years ago and published 161 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on 50 Shades of Planning?

Recent guests on 50 Shades of Planning include:

1. Lisa Tye
2. Andrew Johnston
3. Louise Fountain
4. Jack Airey
5. Simon Gallagher
6. Rachel Maclean
7. Steve Quartermain
8. Melissa Neighbour

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