Rise and Fall - How Planning Changes Impact Housing Delivery and Land Value
A discussion on the state of planning and development in 2026, including some industry heavyweights, looking at how planning could - and should - be a positive force for all.
Speakers
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Ian Barnett
Ian Barnett
Ian joined the business in 2012 and is now the Group Land and Development Director. After graduating from UCL with a Master’s degree in International Town Planning, Ian began his career with Vail Williams in Guildford, before joining Broadway Malyan where he worked on a number of major urban extension projects in the UK as well as projects in Canada. As a ‘dual-qualified’ Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) and a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), Ian has built a reputation for identifying development sites and providing landowners with honest, informed, professional advice, informed by his understanding of the planning system, commercial awareness and extensive network of contacts in the development industry.
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Karen Charles
Karen Charles
Karen is an Executive Director and Head of Boyer’s Wokingham office. Karen joined Boyer in 2016, prior to which she was the Head of Cushman & Wakefield’s (formerly DTZ) London Planning Team. Karen has advised on a wide range of projects across many different sectors but more recently has predominantly advised on residential development in the Thames Valley and surrounding area. Karen has experience managing a wide range of complex projects including development within the Green Belt, brownfield regeneration, and heritage projects. Karen also advises on site promotion through the local plan process, has given evidence at Local Plan examinations, and has advised on litigation and appeal work.

Paul Brocklehurst
Paul Brocklehurst
Paul has chaired the LPDF since its founding in 2018. Formerly CEO of Catesby Estates, he now focuses on the Federation’s policy influence while remaining active in planning. Passionate about boosting housing delivery and affordability, he advocates for addressing generational unfairness in the UK housing market.
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Grant Leggett
Grant Leggett
Grant is an Executive Director with responsibilities for the leadership and management of the whole of Boyer, which he joined in 2011. In that time he has overseen the growth of the office from its original two foundation staff to a team of over 14. He also brings a wealth of experience in developments of all scales, from bespoke and small-scale high-value developments to medium- and large-scale regeneration projects throughout London. Grant has commanding experience in residential development, student housing, education and community projects, and commercial developments. Grant is committed to the success of his clients and his team. He is passionate about creating a positive can-do working environment and attitude at Boyer London.

Jan Bessell FRTPI
Jan Bessell FRTPI
Jan is a Strategic Planning Adviser at Pinsent Masons law firm and has significant experience of examining (former Examining Inspector at the Planning Inspectorate) and advising on a wide range of nationally significant infrastructure and major development projects across the full range of sectors including new settlements and urban extensions, energy, water and waste water, transport, business and commercial, ports and airports dealing with a wide range of issues from development consent orders, strategic plans, EIA, biodiversity, design, Water Framework Regulations, Habitats Regulations Assessment, community engagement and compulsory purchase. Jan has been recognised as one of ‘the most influential women in UK planning’. She is immediate past Board Chair of the National Infrastructure Planning Association and is a member of the Building with Nature Standards Board. Jan is RTPI President, a Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute (FRTPI) and currently sits as Vice Chair of the RTPI English Policy Committee, Vice Chair of the Nations and Regions Panel and is North East Regional Representative on General Assembly. She also continues to be engaged with Planning Aid

Martin Scholar
Martin Scholar


