We're fully into Autumn now, and with the season changes come Government announcements and the run-up to the PAS Heads of Planning Conference. We will have plenty to share by February, so if you are a local authority chief planner please get booked on via Eventbrite

We are also expecting some planning reform announcements in the run-up to Christmas, and the PAS team are ready to warm up the tour bus for the events to get this information out to you.

For all other planning support, please look at our webpages, join a PAS network, message our PAS inbox or head to our knowledge hub

Anna Rose
Head of PAS

Leadership essentials – November dates plus new dates for March 2026

With our LGA colleagues, we are delivering a limited number of two-day residential councillor training courses in person at Warwick Conferences and the cost is heavily subsidised to only £100! There are three separate courses:

Local plan making

• Current plan system - Leadership essentials: for leaders and portfolio holders whose authorities are submitting their local plan by December 2026: Saturday 22 November to Sunday 23 November 2025.
• New plan system Leadership essentials: Local plans leaders - A new course for leaders and portfolio holders whose authorities will be submitting under the new plan system in 2027: Tuesday 10 March to Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Leadership essentials: Planning committee chairs and vice chairs

• All chairs and vice chairs welcome, particularly new and less experienced chairs. This session that will help you understand the key characteristics of a good committee and develop your skills as a chair. Going fast - limited places available 8 to 9 November and 20 to 21 November, additional date added: Tuesday 10 to Wednesday 11 March 2026
  

For more details and to sign up visit the PAS website or contact grace.collins@local.gov.uk

Anna Rose in conversation - Anna and Rachael talk infrastructure planning

In the second of a new series of conversations with Anna Rose, Head of Planning Advisory Service (PAS), Anna sits down with Rachael Ferry-Jones to explore how councils are approaching infrastructure planning; from developer contributions and governance to infrastructure delivery plans (IDPs), strategic partnerships and local government reorganisation. With helpful context and practical reflections, this chat is a useful overview for anyone involved in planning, delivery or decision making around infrastructure. Plus, there’s a preview of new PAS tools and guidance coming soon to support your work.

PAS LPA officer networks

PAS now has a number of networks for local authority officers focused on key topics with online Basecamp forums and regular meetings. One of the oldest (and definitely the largest and most active) is our BNG network. If you would like to join the BNG network, please fill in this form. For most other networks, you can email pas@local.gov.uk

Natural England's SSSI Impact Risk Zones (IRZs) Tool

The latest version of the SSSI IRZs is available via the Natural England Open Data Geoportal, accompanied by guidance. Natural England regularly update the IRZs and recommend that you use the most up to date version. The next update is scheduled for November 2025. They have launched a new survey to gather feedback on the tool. This is a valuable opportunity to share your experience and help shape future enhancements. The survey closes on 12 December 2025.

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