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Artwork for 50 Shades of Planning

50 Shades of Planning

Samuel Stafford
Housing Crisis
Green Belt
National Planning Policy Framework
Planning System
Grey Belt
Local Authorities
Sustainable Development
Community Engagement
Planning Reform
Planning Applications
Strategic Planning
Affordable Housing
Urban Planning
Section 106 Agreements
Planning
Local Government
Neighbourhood Planning
Planning Permissions
Localism
Digital Innovation

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 monthlyEpisodes166Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentPoliticsNews

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Artwork for 50 Shades of Planning

Latest Episodes

Sam Stafford was in Birmingham recently and took the opportunity to catch up with friends of the podcast Mike Best, Kathryn Ventham and Michelle Simpson-Gallego at PodHaus studios in Digbeth.

They talked about why the recent consultation on areas f... more

DEFRA recently launched a consultation on significant changes to it’s guidance on how Habitat Regulations Assessments should be carried out, which comes at an interesting time.

It is, firstly, not long since DEFRA announced that Natural England and... more

Sam Stafford was in London recently and took the opportunity to catch up with old friends of the podcast Mike Kiely, Annie Gingell, Andrew Taylor and Iain Thomson, and new friend of the podcast Claire Tester.

In a conversation recorded at Soho Radi... more

New Towns are back in the news because the Government has announced the first formal step in creating the next generation of them with the launch of a public consultation on the draft New Towns Programme and its environmental implications.

The con... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Kathryn Ventham
Senior Director at 25 Planning
25 Planning
Episode: The West Midlands Problem (plus Grey Belt and some other stuff)
Michelle Simpson-Gallego
Senior Planning Manager at Terra Strategic
Terra Strategic
Episode: The West Midlands Problem (plus Grey Belt and some other stuff)
Nina Pindham
Barrister at Cornerstone Barristers
Cornerstone Barristers
Episode: What is really wrong with the Habitats Regulations?
Julian Arthur
Director at Tyler Grange
Tyler Grange
Episode: What is really wrong with the Habitats Regulations?
Charlie Banner
Head of Policy at Britain Remade (and Theme speaker)
Britain Remade
Episode: What is really wrong with the Habitats Regulations?
Sally Hayns
CEO at the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
CIEEM
Episode: What is really wrong with the Habitats Regulations?
Sam Dumitriu
Head of Policy at Britain Remade
Britain Remade
Episode: What is really wrong with the Habitats Regulations?
Mike Kiely
Former chief planner, now independent consultant (public sector focus)
Independent consultant
Episode: Some Things Just Take Time
Annie Gingell
Associate Director
Turley
Episode: Some Things Just Take Time

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 Kingdom2 years ago
  • Planning pod cast

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AndrewJTaylor
    United Kingdom2 years 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 Kingdom2 years 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
#43
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#43
South Africa/Government
Apple Podcasts
#51
Hong Kong/Government
Apple Podcasts
#96
China/Government
Apple Podcasts
#239
Netherlands/Government
Apple Podcasts
#240
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

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Age Range
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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. The Martin Lewis Podcast
4. The Rest Is Entertainment
5. Planning After Dark

How many episodes of 50 Shades of Planning are there?

50 Shades of Planning launched 7 years ago and published 166 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. Kathryn Ventham
2. Michelle Simpson-Gallego
3. Nina Pindham
4. Julian Arthur
5. Charlie Banner
6. Sally Hayns
7. Sam Dumitriu
8. Mike Kiely

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