PAS Chief Planners Conference 2026 - Leicester

The conference was delivered in partnership with MHCLG, featuring guest speakers from across local government and the private sector. The PAS Team hosted the annual Conference for Chief Planners on 26–27 February 2026 at City Hall, Leicester.

The event focused on driving change in a time of uncertainty. The agenda included high-profile guest speakers, walking tours around the city, and a range of practical workshops.

Explore our jam-packed programme of inspiring keynote speakers and dive into the dynamic range of workshops that informed, challenged, and energised attendees. 

Our aim is to support LPAs in delivering effective, efficient, and innovative planning services that serve their communities while aligning with national priorities. We prioritise assistance to LPAs most in need and provide crucial support during times of sector-wide reform or change. Through our distinctive sector-led improvement approach, we facilitate collaboration between LPAs, enabling them to learn from and support each other in their continuous improvement journey. We keep local government officers and councillors equipped with current knowledge and best practices, while also offering specialised consultancy services to LPAs seeking expert review and enhancement of their planning services.

Sir Peter Soulsby, City Mayor of Leicester opened the Conference and welcomed us to Leicester. He provided an overview of the planning history, context and opportunities in Leicester.

Joanna Averley, Chief Planner at MHCLG provided an overview of Planning reform. The session focused on how the system is changing (legislative and policy reforms) as well as how MHCLG are supporting delivery. 

This session explored how the new approach will operate alongside the existing system, followed by a panel discussion with MHCLG, PINS and local planning authorities on managing two plan systems in parallel.

This interactive workshop explored the Government’s reforms to development management and their impact on planning decision-making. We’ll examine how the changes aim to improve speed and quality, identify the challenges facing planning authorities, and discuss practical ways to respond and adapt.

This session began with a briefing on the new era of strategic planning, devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Through facilitated group work, participants will explore the implications for local plans, engagement, governance, decision-making, resources and investment, focusing on actions you can take back to your organisation.

As part of the Government’s commitment to modernising the planning system, digital transformation is at the forefront of reform. Led by colleagues from MHCLG, this workshop will showcase the potential of digital technologies and explore how local planning authorities can position themselves to respond effectively.

Stephen Gabriel, Chief Executive at Tamworth Council, discussed the need for adaptive leadership and offered reflections and strategies for Local Government leaders in these volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) times.

This interactive workshop explored how to respond to the new local plan system in practice. Topics included proportionate evidence bases, nature and environmental reforms, digital plan-making, maintaining momentum during LGR and SDS alignment, and meeting the 30-month timetable.

This masterclass showcased how development management reforms can be a catalyst for innovation and excellence. Led by experts, the session explored best practice in embracing change to improve the speed, quality and consistency of planning decision-making.

Two expert speakers shared real-world experience of making strategic and local plan working effective, highlighting practical lessons, common pitfalls and success factors. The session challenged delegates to consider their own role in supporting strategic planning, with the aim of developing a practical 12-month action plan for cross-authority collaboration.

Two local planning authorities presented their digital transformation journeys, sharing key milestones, lessons learned and practical approaches. Delegates left with a clearer understanding of the steps and actions they can take to prepare for and deliver digital change in their own organisations.