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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
Local Authorities
Sustainable Development
Grey Belt
Planning Reform
Community Engagement
Planning Applications
Strategic Planning
Affordable Housing
Urban Planning
Section 106 Agreements
Planning
Local Government
Neighbourhood Planning
Planning Permissions
Digital Innovation
Localism

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 monthlyEpisodes165Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentPoliticsNews

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Artwork for 50 Shades of Planning

Latest Episodes

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

This is the third of a series of episodes being led by the oldest friend of the podcast, Paul Smith.

Paul put it to Sam Stafford that debates about the planning system in England tend, for the most part, to focus solely on the planning system in En... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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?
Andrew Taylor
Group Planning and Sustainability Director
Vistry
Episode: Some Things Just Take Time
Iain Thomson
Advisor on economic development and decarbonisation
Independent
Episode: Some Things Just Take Time
Claire Tester
Head of Strategic Planning
South Downs National Park Authority
Episode: Some Things Just Take Time
Rebecca Warren
Strategic Development Consultant at Pinsent Masons
Pinsent Masons
Episode: New Towns: Practicalities & Placemaking

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
#86
China/Government
Apple Podcasts
#143
Hong Kong/Government
Apple Podcasts
#145
India/Government
Apple Podcasts
#162
South Africa/Government
Apple Podcasts
#212
Ireland/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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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. Newscast

How many episodes of 50 Shades of Planning are there?

50 Shades of Planning launched 7 years ago and published 165 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. Nina Pindham
2. Julian Arthur
3. Charlie Banner
4. Sally Hayns
5. Sam Dumitriu
6. Andrew Taylor
7. Iain Thomson
8. Claire Tester

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