There's so much going on at the moment and the PAS team are looking forward to seeing lots of you at our many upcoming online and in-person sessions, such as the programme of NPPF events announced last week. We are really pleased to open bookings for the PAS Annual Chief Planners Conference in February 2027. There's lots to discuss and share. We know it fills up quickly, so don't miss out.

With so much happening for local planning authorities, the PAS Networks are super busy at present, with lots of you sharing really useful thoughts and questions in areas like local plans, committee reforms and nature. If you are not accessing our networks, do get in touch and we will get you engaged.

Steve Barker, Principal Consultant

PAS Annual Chief Planners Conference 2027

PAS will be hosting the Annual Chief Planners Conference on 25-26 February 2027, and this year it will be held at City Hall in Bristol.

The focus will be planning for the future in an era of reform and will include high-profile guest speakers, walking tours of the city, and a choice of interesting workshops, as well as plenty of networking opportunities.

The conference is free to attend but we are asking delegates to arrange their own travel and accommodation. Places are limited so book early to reserve your ticket.

NPPF roadshow: Book your place

Places are still available for our NPPF roadshow. This series will focus on development management of the NPPF.

Join our introductory online fireside chat with Anna Rose, Head of PAS, and Joanna Averley, Chief Planner, on 14 October 2026.

Book on an in-person event, they are selling out quick:

• 6 October 2026 – Birmingham
• 15 October 2026 – London
• 20 October 2026 – Bath
• 22 October 2026  – Manchester

Due to the high demand, we encourage one person per council to attend.

We are running four online deep dives in November:

• 3 November 2026 – Deep Dive 1: The new approach to development inside and outside settlement boundaries
• 5 November 2026 – Deep Dive 2: Density, design and making effective use of land
• 10 November 2026 – Deep Dive 3: Creating sustainable places
• 12 November 2026  – Deep Dive 4: Climate change and environmental protection and enhancement.

Recordings and materials will be made available for anyone unable to attend.

Planning and LGR Toolkit: In-person workshops

PAS is working with ADEPT to produce a toolkit to support local authorities working towards establishing an integrated Planning service in a new unitary council.

We are keen to get a good range of authorities represented at each workshop, and to ensure that we have input from planning managers at county / district / borough councils.

To take part in these workshops please sign up to one of these events:

• 8 October 2026, 10.30am-3.00pm – The Studio, Birmingham: Planning and LGR workshop, Birmingham
• 21 October 2026, 10.30am-3.00pm – Broadway House, London: Planning and LGR workshop, London

Planning for Nature Webinar Series No.1: LNRS and Plan Making

In partnership with Natural England, PAS will be hosting the first of a series of Planning for Nature webinars. The first will be held on 21 October 2026 between 10.00am and 12.00pm. Join PAS, Defra and Natural England for an online session exploring the role of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) in plan-making.

Book now: Planning for Nature, 21 October 2026

Details of Planning for Nature webinars will be shared on the PAS Nature Network. Sign up via email to PAS@local.gov.uk

Would you like to hold a Nature Recovery Workshop?

In partnership with Natural England, PAS have been helping local authorities to facilitate Nature Recovery workshops to help embed nature recovery across the organisation. If you are interested in holding a workshop then please fill out the expression of interest form: EOI - PAS Nature Recovery Workshop for Local Authorities PHASE 2

More information is available on our website here: Nature Recovery Toolkit for Local Authorities.

Pathways to Planning: Council sign up deadline is 4 November 2026

Councils have until 4 November 2026 to sign up for the Pathways to Planning programme, for the next intake of Planning and Surveying graduates.

Partial salary funding is available for councils who do not have readily available posts and require support to employ recruits and up to £11k per graduate will be provided in educational bursary, to cover part time accredited study over the course of employment.

To express interest or to sign up, please complete this online form by 4 November 2026.

For any general enquiries, please email pathways.planning@local.gov.uk

PAS Development Management Network:Get involved!

Join over 200 planning officers and managers on our DM Network on Basecamp—your safe space to stay ahead of DM issues, exchange practical insights and learn from peers across the sector. With the national scheme of delegation currently in focus, now is the ideal time to get involved. Join by emailing us pas@local.gov.uk.