Fiona Howie

Brochure for the Built Environment Awards Luncheon

Slightly unusual Thursday lunchtime for me today. Was lovely to catch up with @morphetminor.bsky.social, @samerb.bsky.social, Liz Peace and others. And many congratulations to the winners; including Samantha McClary.

Thousands of new homes get the go ahead in North Sussex 21,000 new homes in North Sussex unlocked after four-year bottleneck

Interestingly, I think this is the official press release about it... www.gov.uk/government/n...

Not quite how the Chancellor was spinning it the other day…!

As someone who was at Labour conf, I think this article articulates why I found it so frustrating. If solving the housing crisis was easy - surely we wouldn’t be in the position we are in? We need serious discussions about systems change and a proper housing strategy. Not gimmicky hats.

We know uncertainty with the planning process causes problems. Constant changes through annual planning bills is nuts.

‘A government source said: “The Treasury is desperate to make announcements on planning, but the truth is we are already doing most of the stuff we wanted to, and trying to reopen all of that is not a good idea.”’

‘Red-hot planning chat’? I think you might be over promising!

Good to hear @natfednews.bsky.social making this point. I have certainly spoken to RPs who won't take on S106 homes because they are not energy efficient enough. RPs are being ambitious on standards for both themselves as organisations and their residents.

Reform say it is "disgusting and libellous" to suggest that Nigel Farage flirted with Hitler Youth when he was young.

Here's how a former teacher at his school remembers it

Having left Liverpool and #Labourpartyconference today, I hope to never see a ‘build, baby build’ hat again.

Initial government response - September 2025 | Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) Responding to the New Towns publications today, the chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association, Fiona Howie, said: ‘As the Prime Minister acknowledged this morning, new new towns a...

Initial response from @thetcpa.bsky.social to the New Towns publications today at link below. Lots to digest so we have focused on the Gov response for now but will, no doubt, have more to say… #newtowns #placemaking

www.linkedin.com/posts/tcpa_i...

'The next generation of new towns must be well-connected, well-designed, sustainable, healthy and attractive places where people want to live and have all the infrastructure, amenities and services necessary to sustain thriving communities established from the outset.'

Will be on my way to Liverpool tomorrow so miss the actual speech - but luckily useful summary in advance below!

RTPI has signed a joint letter with more than 30 organisations calling for £6.8m in urgent funding to support Planning Schools to continue to recruit and train apprentice planners.

Read the joint letter:
https://www.rtpi.org.uk/letter-to-matthew-pennycook-mp-minister-for-housing-and-planning/

As well as an emphasis on sustainable communities, that are well designed and promote active travel.

Good to hear both @gideonamos.bsky.social and @sarahgibsonmp.bsky.social at #LibDem conference highlighting the importance of SME house builders and reigniting social house building by councils if more homes are to be built.

Getting a little vitamin D in between fringes and meetings at Lib Dem party conference. #Bournemouth #partyconferenceseason

Do you have excellent organisational skills & are you calm under pressure?

We're looking for an Events & Projects Assistant to help us deliver our programme of high quality, high profile in-person & virtual events.

Apply by 11am on 6 October.

Find out more: www.tcpa.org.uk/vacancy-even...

A Walls ice cream Viennetta

A little reminder of growing up in the 80s. My 13 year old is a big fan.

@thetcpa.bsky.social is looking for up to 2 new Trustees. Please help by sharing with your networks.

#charitygovernance #charity #trustee

Early start to get to the Gov annual planning conf in Leeds today. I’ve been asked to talk about ‘planning for large scale housing growth’ but I will be very consciously talking about large scale new communities. #planning #placemaking

I think we can all agree we were lucky to live to tell the tale!

Classic @thetcpa.bsky.social gathering this evening. We got chased out of the communal garden by an aggressive squirrel. #latesummerdrinks @juliathrift.bsky.social @rcallway.bsky.social may have a pic of the squirrel if required.

Join us at 2pm today! Tickets: www.tcpa.org.uk/event/planni...

Just to confirm - am still not fully recovered. Big mistake. Huge. #running

How to make a town Can the design vision that created the postwar new town help unlock our current housing crisis?

'Will they follow the postwar orthodoxy, establishing autonomous places with their own identities, or our more recent experience of seemingly ad-hoc housebuilder estates whose promised community facilities turn out to be a Tesco Express?'

How to make a town - www.ft.com/content/f53b...

Nelson Staircase, Somerset House. As staircases go, it’s a beauty!

Deadline day latest: changes to Starmer's squad into tonight

I'm meant to be writing an article for our journal but am too distracted by the #reshuffle. Good luck to everyone organising panels and events involving ministers at Labour Party Conference...

Planning for Climate Change in New Communities - Town and Country Planning Association In this webinar, we’ll explore the practical realities of addressing climate impact and mitigation in large scale new communities. We will delve into key areas including: Part of our TCPA…

There's still time to get your ticket for 'Planning for climate change in new communities' (9 October, 2-3.30pm)

The webinar will offer insight for local councils, planners & communities. We’ll explore the practical realities of addressing climate impact & mitigation
www.tcpa.org.uk/event/planni...