**Block Bookings have now closed**
We’re back to basics!
One of our most popular series of annual lectures is back in October, and will be tackling those questions you wanted to know but were too afraid to ask! We hope you can join us for some informal conversations with leading voices in a year where planning has been in the news at the local, city and national levels.
7 October – How can I influence anything?
Democracy and accountability are hard-wired into our planning system, but you wouldn’t believe it on first glance. Planning can seem inscrutable at the best of times and conspiratorial at the worst. How do you make an opinion heard, and if you do, will it actually change anything?
The London Society’s ‘Planning School 2021’ brings together leaders in the world of planning to discuss how you can influence the system.
Confirmed Speakers:
Akil Scafe-Smith, RESOLVE Collective
John Myers, Co-Founder of London YIMBY
14 October – How did that get built?
It’s a question that we all so often ask. Height, style, materials often lead to surprising buildings arriving on the London skyline or in our neighbourhoods.
The London Society ‘Planning School 2021′ brings together 4 of London’s most powerful individuals who preside over planning consents and are key to decisions that shape our built environment.
Confirmed speakers:
Cllr Vincent Stops, Hackney Council – Chair of the Planning Sub-Committee
Heather Cheesbrough, Director of Planning and Strategic Transport at London Borough of Croydon
21 October – Why does it take so long?
If you google planning permission, you will be told that it takes 8-13 weeks to get a consent. But for some of London’s more complex schemes it can take years and sometimes decades. Why? What is the hold up and is taking our time on planning applications a good thing?
The London Society’s ‘Planning School 2021’ brings together leaders in the world of planning to discuss why delays happen.
Confirmed Speakers:
Martyn Evans, Creative Director at U+I who recently were granted planning permission for Morden Wharf after 9 years
Dr Riëtte Oosthuizen MRTPI, Partner responsible for Urban Planning at HTA Design LLP
In the build up to this event, please feel free to share via social media: 
#LondonSociety2020
@londonsoc