The West Midlands Problem (plus Grey Belt and some other stuff)

Sam Stafford was in Birmingham recently and took the opportunity to catch up with friends of the podcast Mike Best, Kathryn Ventham and Michelle Simpson-Gallego at PodHaus studios in Digbeth. They talked about why the recent consultation on areas for producing Spatial Development Strategies seemed to generate more interest in the West Midlands than other parts of the country (an issue for which this episode has named); they talked about the politics of Grey Belt; they talked about some live development management issues, including LPAs basing decisions on unpublished evidence; and they touched on PINS’ recent performance. Some accompanying reading. Areas for producing spatial development strategies Will the real West Midlands please stand up? Elections 2026 How Long Are Local Plan Examinations Taking? Planning After Dark LIVE at UKREiiF with Cratus Group Toxic Communications and Relational Planning SM sites for SME builders Some accompanying viewing. What the local election results mean for housebuilding Some accompanying listening. City Minutes: The Croydon planning experiment The Nightingales - Gales Doc 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 Carl Thomas-Edwards and Adrian Meehan for recording and editing this episode.