
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Samuel Stafford
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 conversations take in the six milestone planning permissions or projects within a contributor’s career and for every project guests are invited to choose a piece of music that they were listening to at that time. Think Desert Island Discs, but for planners. 50 Shades episode also include the 'All Around the World' series, which is being led by friend of the podcast, Paul Smith. Paul put it to Sam that debates about the pl
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
This is another episode in the Hitting the High Notes series, which, if you have not listened to one before, is town planning's equivalent, nee rip off, of Desert Island Discs. During these episodes Sam Stafford chats to preeminent figures in the planning and property sectors about the planning permissions or projects that have helped to shape them as professionals and, so that listeners can get to know people a little better personally, for every permission, project or stage of their career, Sam also asks his guests for a piece of music that reminds them of that period. Unlike Desert Island Discs you will not hear any of that music during the episode because using commercially-licensed music without the copyright holders permission or a very expensive PRS licensing agreement could land Sam in hot water, so, when you have finished listening to this episode, please have a look at the YouTube videos and a Spotify playlist to which there are links below. This episode features a conversation that Sam recorded at PodFirst studios in Nottingham in January 2026 this with Richard Schofield. Richard began his career in planning as a policy officer in local government, becoming the Head of Planning at Bassetlaw. As listeners will hear, having got a local plan adopted and in need of a fresh challenge, Richard joined the Planning Inspectorate, becoming Chief Planning Inspector, before departing for a now extended secondment within the Chief Planner’s Department in MHCLG. Over the course of an hour or so, as well as talking through his career to date, Richard touches upon the case for national development management policies, how to adopt a local plan in thirty months, and the best way to wind up an inspector at an inquiry. Some accompanying reading. Confessions of a curious mind: An interview with Richard Schofield SDO Speedwagon Some accompanying listening Richard’s Spotify Playlist Unbearable - The Wonder Stuff Vagabonds - New Model Army You held the World in your arms – Idlewild I Believe – REM Follow Your Arrow – Kacey Musgraves Hunger in your haunt – Biffy Clyro Some accompanying viewing. Justified Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why. Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you have enjoyed to the extent that you feel compelled to share the podcast on one your social platforms then, if you tag Sam, you will be entitled to an exclusive and much-sought after 50 Shades of Planning mug. 50 Shades of Planning is the podcast by planners and for planners and so if you would like to use it as a platform for sharing anything you think that the sector needs to be talking about then you are also very welcome to get in touch with Sam via samstafford@hotmail.com or the 50 Shades WhatsApp Community.
A couple of months ago Sam Stafford saw that Shaun Knights at Preston City Council and national vice chair of the Young Planning Officers Society (POS) had posted on LinkedIn encouraging nominations for POS’ ‘Emerging Planner Award’ (EPA). “I’ve already seen some genuinely impressive submissions that show the amazing day‑to‑day work young planners are doing and the fresh ideas they’re bringing into LPAs”, Shaun wrote. Sam was interested in the amazing day‑to‑day work that young planners are doing and the fresh ideas they’re bringing into LPAs, and thought that 50 Shades listeners would be too. He sent Shaun a message asking if he and his Young POS colleagues would be interested in making an episode of the podcast with some of the planners that were subsequently short-listed for the award. He was, and some of them were, and so they put this together ahead of and after the POS Conference in Nottingham at which the winner of the award was announced. Young POS is a network for public sector planners with less than ten years post qualification experience and it provides opportunities for planners to support one another through the sharing of experience, learning and knowledge. Developed by Young POS and supported by the Society’s Rising Star bursaries, the EPA is an initiative created by young planners for young planners with 2026 marking its inaugural year. The award celebrates the everyday achievements of young public sector planners, whose work often lacks the visibility and recognition it deserves. It shines a light on the valuable contributions these planners make to practice, communities and place-making across England. The episode that Shaun and friends have put together is in four parts. First you will hear Shaun and Imogen Hopkin at South Staffordshire Council and national Chair of Young POS talk to shortlisted EPA nominee Annie Utting. Annie is at Be First Ltd (for the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham). Then you will hear Shaun and Imogen talk to nominee Charlotte Greenhow at South Ribble Borough Council. Then you will hear Shaun and Imogen talk to nominee Will Lawrence at Nottinghamshire County Council Then finally you will hear a conversation between Shaun, Annie, Charlotte and Will. The first two conversations were recorded online and the second two were recorded at The Createry in Nottingham. The four conversations take in, amongst other things, their respective careers to date, managing application backlogs, facilitating service improvements, why householder applications can be worse than majors, why no two council planning teams are the same, the dreaded role of duty planners, local government reorganisation, managing abuse, on one side of the coin, but the best part of their roles on the other. Some accompanying reading. Emerging Planners in Practice – Young POS on LinkedIn British Podcast Awards Some accompanying viewing. Planning on the Frontline: Navigating Abuse, Misinformation and Public Pressure Leadership Skills with Graham Stallwood Parks & Recreation Some accompanying listening. Stay Young – Oasis Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why. Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you have enjoyed to the extent that you feel compelled to share the podcast on one your social platforms then, if you tag Sam, you will be entitled to an exclusive and much-sought after 50 Shades of Planning mug. 50 Shades of Planning is the podcast by planners and for planners and so if you would like to use it as a platform for sharing anything you think that the sector needs to be talking about then you are also very welcome to get in touch with Sam via samstafford@hotmail.com or the 50 Shades WhatsApp Community.
The role of local councillors in the planning system has been a familiar topic of conversation on the podcast in the context of, for example, overturning officer recommendations and the case for a national scheme of delegation. There is less talk about the role of MPs in the planning system, which is something that friend of the podcast Andrew Taylor wanted to remedy. This then is the second of what he and Sam Stafford hope will be five episodes exploring the role of a member of a parliament by way of conversations that Andrew records with representatives from the now five major parties. This time, the Liberal Democrats, and a conversation recorded with Vikki Slade and Sarah Gibson at Soho Radio Studios in April 2026. Andrew, regular listeners will know, is Group Planning and Sustainability Director at Vistry. Vikki represents Mid Dorset and North Poole and is a former group leader on Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Indeed Vikki still represents the Broadstone ward. Some listeners might have come across Vikki during her three years at Cratus. Sarah represents Chippenham and has a background in local government and architecture. Over the course of hour an hour so they talk about Vikki and Sarah's respective routes to Westminster, the rural economy, forging strategic links on issues of pan-constituency significance, the role of a MP in day-to-day planning matters, planning committee reform and, towards the end, Biodiversity Net Gain. Some accompanying reading. Removing the grit from the system - Changes needed for a more efficient planning application process Some accompanying viewing. What does team Burnham mean for housebuilding? Some accompanying listening The Snagging List The Snagging List II Politics – Personal Trainer Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why. Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you have enjoyed to the extent that you feel compelled to share the podcast on one your social platforms then, if you tag Sam, you will be entitled to an exclusive and much-sought after 50 Shades of Planning mug. If you are a new listener do please check out the back catalogue where you will find episodes on myriad planning topics, as well as the other episodes in the All Around the World series, and remember that by subscribing new episodes will magically appear in your phone as soon as Sam has published them. 50 Shades of Planning is the podcast by planners and for planners and so if you would like to use it as a platform for sharing anything you think that the sector needs to be talking about then you are also very welcome to get in touch with Sam via samstafford@hotmail.com or the 50 Shades WhatsApp Community. Sam is grateful to Richborough, Town Legal and Tyler Grange for supporting the podcast; to Vistry for sponsoring the 50 Shades mugs; and to Adrian Meehan for recording and editing this episode.
Sam Stafford was in London recently and whilst there caught up with friends of the podcast Hana Loftus, Mike Kiely, Nicola Gooch, Simon Ricketts and Andrew Taylor. Hana is a Director at HAT Projects; Mike is a former Chief Planner and now an independent planning consultant working mainly in the public sector; Nicola is a Partner at Birketts; Simon is a Partner at Town Legal and Andrew is Group Planning & Sustainability Director at Vistry. In a conversation recorded at Soho Radio Studios they chatted about some of the hot topics exercising the planning profession at the minute. They talked about the legal challenge by some London boroughs to the Mayor’s package of time-limited emergency measures to support housebuilding. They talked about planning committees, the national scheme of delegation, statutory chief planners, the designation of LPAs for poor performance, the Nature Restoration Fund, the need for the NPPF as soon as possible, and they talked about S73B. The hottest topic of all though, given that this episode was recorded during a red extreme heat warming, was whether the addition of awnings and air conditioning units are or should be permitted development. Some accompanying reading. Wishful Thinking Legal battle brews over London's affordable homes target Why NPPFs fail #1 - planning by committee Delegation default: power to the Chief Planner Good Practice Note - National Scheme of Delegation Route 62A The draft Nature Restoration Levy Regulations are here Section 73 Or Section 73B 165,000 Reasons Some accompanying listening. Hitting the High Notes - Nick Kilby Red Hot – Jurassic 5 Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why (via samstafford@hotmail.com). Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you have enjoyed to the extent that you feel compelled to share the podcast on one your social platforms then, if you tag Sam, you will be entitled to an exclusive and much-sought after 50 Shades of Planning mug. If you are a new listener do please check out the back catalogue where you will find episodes on myriad planning topics, as well as the other episodes in the All Around the World series, and remember that by subscribing new episodes will magically appear in your phone as soon as Sam has published them. 50 Shades of Planning is the podcast by planners and for planners and so if you would like to use it as a platform for sharing anything you think that the sector needs to be talking about then you are also very welcome to get in touch with Sam. Do please also feel free to get involved with the 50 Shades WhatsApp Community. Sam is grateful to Richborough, Town Legal and Tyler
This is the fourth 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 England. We very seldom look to other countries for inspiration and ideas. Paul wanted to remedy that and so in this series he is chatting with planning professionals and academics from a number of countries to find out what works well there, what works less well, and what can we learn. In this episode Paul chats to Stuart Donovan about planning in New Zealand. Stuart is an economist and Senior Fellow with Motu Research, an independent Wellington-based economics and public policy institute. During a conversation recorded online in January 2026 Paul and Stewart talk about why Auckland became one of the least affordable housing markets in the world and how the opportunities for upzoning presented by an earthquake in Christchurch and local government reorganisation in Auckland became so successful that they were ultimately replicated nationally. Some accompanying reading. Up-zoning New Zealand: the localisation of a globally mobile policy idea Dispelling Myths – reviewing the evidence of zoning reforms in Auckland Going it alone: the impact of upzoning on housing construction in Lower Hutt https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1051137724000512 New Zealand shows how planning reform will end Britain’s housing crisis Buckaroo! The burdens that have become a big problem for house building Some accompanying viewing. Planning on the Frontline: Navigating Abuse, Misinformation and Public Pressure Some accompanying listening. Flight of the Conchords - Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why (via samstafford@hotmail.com or the 50 Shades WhatsApp Community). Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you have enjoyed to the extent that you feel compelled to share the podcast on one your social platforms then, if you tag Sam, you will be entitled to an exclusive and much-sought after 50 Shades of Planning mug. If you are a new listener do please check out the back catalogue where you will find episodes on myriad planning topics, as well as the other episodes in the All Around the World series, and remember that by subscribing new episodes will magically appear in your phone as soon as Sam has published them. 50 Shades of Planning is the podcast by planners and for planners and so if you would like to use it as a platform for sharing anything you think that the sector needs to be talking about then you are also very welcome to get in touch with Sam. Sam is grateful to Richborough, Town Legal and Tyler Grange for supporting the podcast; to Vistry for sponsoring the 50 Shades mugs; and to Rachael Cooper and Adrian Meehan for recording and editing this epis
Sam Stafford was invited to a ProCon Leicestershire event in Leicester in October 2025 and also on the panel that evening was his old friend Grant Butterworth. Grant, Head of Planning at Leicester City Council, kindly invited Sam down early for a tour of the city, and whilst so doing suggested that Peter Soulsby would make a good podcast guest. Peter has been a politician for over 50 years. He was first elected to Leicester City Council in 1973, but lost his seat in 2003. In between he served as the Leader of the Council twice, first from 1981 to 1994 and then from 1996 to 1999. He was the Member of Parliament for Leicester South from 2005 until he resigned his seat in 2011, in order to contest the new post of City Mayor, a role he has held since 2011. Long-serving listeners will know that, hitherto, it has been preeminent figures in the planning and property sectors that have talked Sam through the planning permissions or projects that helped to shape them as professionals during these Hitting the High Notes episodes. Given the relationship between planning and politics it was a good idea of Grant’s to broaden that tent and hear another perspective. Hitting The High Notes is town planning’s equivalent, nee rip of Desert Island Discs in that, so listeners can get to know people a little better personally, for every project or stage of their career Sam also asks his guests for a piece of music that reminds them of that period. Unlike Desert Island Discs you will not hear any of that music during the episode because using commercially-licensed music without the copyright holders permission or a very expensive PRS licensing agreement could land Sam in hot water, so, when listeners have finished listening to this episode, please check out the YouTube videos and a Spotify playlist below. In a conversation recorded in person in January 2026, Peter tells Sam about moving from the North East to London and then up to Leicester to study. He talks about why he gave up teaching for politics, what local government looked like half a century ago and why not all mayors are the same. They talk about building roads, housing renewal, the City Challenge programme, regeneration and knocking down roads. Some accompanying listening. Changes – David Bowie Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad - Meat Loaf The Day Before You Came - Abba Is That All There Is? - Peggy Lee I Cried For You – Katie Melua Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana – Pietro Mascagni Peter’s Spotify Playlist Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why (via samstafford@hotmail.com). Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you have enjoyed to the extent that you feel compelled to share the podcast on one your social platforms then, if you tag Sam, you will be entitled to an exclusive and much-sought after 50 Shades of Planning mug. If you are a new listener do please check out the back catalogue where you will find episodes on myriad planning topics, as well as the Hitting The High Notes and All Around the World series, and remember that by subscribing new episodes will magically appear in your phone as soon as Sam has published them. 50 Shades of Planning is the podcast by planners and for planners and so if you would like to use it as a platform for sharing anything you think that the sector needs to be talking about then you are also very welcome to get in touch with Sam. Sam is grateful to Richborough, Town Legal and Tyler Grange for supporting the podcast; to Vistry for sponsoring the 50 Shades mugs; and to <a href
This episode features the recording of an event hosted by Lorenzo Pandolfi and Simone Pagani in February 2026. Lorenzo and Simone invited Chris Katkowski and Russell Harris to tell the story of the Shard inquiry. Chris and Russell, two of the most prominent KCs in the country, share their recollections of one of the most consequential planning inquires of modern times. They talk about the characters involved, what it is like to be a part of an event of that scale, and lessons that they took, and that we all can learn, from the experience. Some accompanying reading. My Favourite Building: Sam Stafford – The Piece Hall How to Thrive in the Planning Jungle: 100 Tips for Consultants, Real Estate Developers and Architects Some accompanying listening. Underworld - Mmm... Skyscraper I Love You Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam Stafford's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why (via samstafford@hotmail.com). Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you have enjoyed to the extent that you feel compelled to share the podcast on one your social platforms then, if you tag Sam, you will be entitled to an exclusive and much-sought after 50 Shades of Planning mug. If you are a new listener do please check out the back catalogue where you will find episodes on myriad planning topics, as well as the Hitting The High Notes and All Around the World series, and remember that by subscribing new episodes will magically appear in your phone as soon as Sam has published them. 50 Shades of Planning is the podcast by planners and for planners and so if you would like to use it as a platform for sharing anything you think that the sector needs to be talking about then you are also very welcome to get in touch with Sam. Sam is grateful to Richborough, Town Legal and Tyler Grange for supporting the podcast; to Vistry for sponsoring the 50 Shades mugs; and to Adrian Meehan for editing this episode.
"The second (epochal change) is the technology revolution led by developments in artificial intelligence, which will change everything. I mean everything. There is no point in debating whether this technological revolution is a good or bad thing. Just know it is a ‘thing’. In fact, it is ‘the thing’. It will displace jobs, though creating new ones, but no one yet knows the full consequence. Companies and countries will rise or fall on the back of it. It will revolutionise the private sector and should in time revolutionise public services and government. Yet people in most countries, including Britain, have no idea what is about to hit them." So wrote Tony Blair in his recent essay ‘The Labour Party Is Playing With Fire Over Its Future and the Future of the Country.’ What is about to hit us? What are the implications of AI in the planning context? What does it mean for what we do now and what we might do in the future? What are the legal implications? The data implications? The implications for public engagement? These are themes that were explored in a conversation recorded online back in February of this year between old friends of the podcast Hashi Mohamed, Kathryn Ventham and Sue Chadwick, and new friend of the podcast Harry Quartermain. Hashi, who steered the conversation, is an author and a barrister at Landmark Chambers; Kathryn is a Senior Director at Twenty5 Planning; and Sue is a strategic advisor at Pinsent Masons. Harry is Head of Insight & Research at LandTech and an Associate Lecturer at the University of the Built Environment. Due to some technical issues on the day another new friend of the podcast, Graham Stallwood, was unable to join the recording, but Graham, Interim Chief Executive at the Planning Inspectorate, listened to it and provided an addendum that Sam Stafford drops in at the end of the episode. Some accompanying reading. Podcast episode 170: The Tip of the AIceberg Are we consulting with people? The Labour Party Is Playing With Fire Over Its Future and the Future of the Country Digital planning in England Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Judicial Guidance (October 2025) Use of artificial intelligence in casework evidence How AI is slowing down the planning system and what we can do about it English councils to trial Google AI tool to speed up planning decisions Some accompanying viewing. A new planning system and future-ready planners Some accompanying listening. Is AI Too Powerful to Control Responsibly? Jim James - State Of The Art (A.E.I.O.U.) Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why (via samstafford@hotmail.com). Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you have enjoyed to the extent that you feel compelled to share the podcast on one y
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Listeners also like.

Michael Spicer: No Room
Satirical sketches that skewer modern culture, politics, work, and social interactions through sharp, character-driven comedy.

Fortunately... with Fi and Jane
Broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover interview media figures who share candid, off-the-record stories from their careers.

Master Plan
A journalist investigates a 50-year conspiracy by wealthy elites to undermine U.S. democracy and legalize political corruption.

When It Hits the Fan
A former newspaper editor and a veteran crisis PR expert analyze high-profile public relations disasters and reveal how they were managed.

A Slight Change of Plans
A cognitive scientist examines how people adapt to life-altering changes through personal stories and psychological research.

Analysis
Examines the ideas and forces shaping public policy in Britain and abroad with writers, journalists, and academics.

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
In-depth conversations with political figures and influencers about their lives and the experiences that shaped their worldviews.

The Boring Talks
BBC Sounds

Arts & Ideas
Philosophers, historians, and critics explore current events through the lens of history, culture, and ideas.

British Scandal
Examines British political and social scandals, focusing on power, accountability, and the people behind historic events.

Strong Message Here
A weekly analysis of political language and doublespeak, exploring how rhetoric shapes perception and power.

Intelligence Squared
Live debates and in-depth discussions on pressing global issues featuring leading experts and thinkers.
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 conversations take in the six milestone planning permissions or projects within a contributor’s career and for every project guests are invited to choose a piece of music that they were listening to at that time. Think Desert Island Discs, but for planners. 50 Shades episode also include the 'All Around the World' series, which is being led by friend of the podcast, Paul Smith. Paul put it to Sam that debates about the pl
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Get key takeaways from 50 Shades of Planning in a 5-minute read.
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of 50 Shades of Planning as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Samuel Stafford.
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
50 Shades of Planning publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
50 Shades of Planning covers topics including Science, News, Business, Government, Arts, Design, Politics, Social Sciences. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.