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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 1d

Slightly unusual Thursday lunchtime for me today. Was lovely to catch up with @morphetminor.bsky.social, @samerb.bsky.social, Liz Peace and others. And many congratulations to the winners; including Samantha McClary.

Brochure for the Built Environment Awards Luncheon

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 2d

Interestingly, I think this is the official press release about it... www.gov.uk/government/n...

Thousands of new homes get the go ahead in North Sussex

21,000 new homes in North Sussex unlocked after four-year bottleneck

www.gov.uk

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 2d

Not quite how the Chancellor was spinning it the other day…!

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 2d

As someone who was at Labour conf, I think this article articulates why I found it so frustrating. If solving the housing crisis was easy - surely we wouldn’t be in the position we are in? We need serious discussions about systems change and a proper housing strategy. Not gimmicky hats.

50 Shades of Planning @50shadesofplanning.bsky.social · 8d

Link: www.spectator.co.uk/article/buil...

‘Build baby build’ is not a housing strategy

There are too many middling politicians in this country who look at Donald Trump with envy. I might not like his politics, they think, but isn’t he such a great communicator? Don’t you see how good he...

www.spectator.co.uk

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 5d

We know uncertainty with the planning process causes problems. Constant changes through annual planning bills is nuts.

Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 5d

‘A government source said: “The Treasury is desperate to make announcements on planning, but the truth is we are already doing most of the stuff we wanted to, and trying to reopen all of that is not a good idea.”’

Guardian Environment @environment.theguardian.com · 5d

Ministers to announce significant changes to UK’s planning system

Exclusive: Differences over changes to environmental and legal provisions to prompt economic growth hint at chaos at heart of government

www.theguardian.com

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 7d

‘Red-hot planning chat’? I think you might be over promising!

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 9d

Good to hear @natfednews.bsky.social making this point. I have certainly spoken to RPs who won't take on S106 homes because they are not energy efficient enough. RPs are being ambitious on standards for both themselves as organisations and their residents.

Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 9d

NHF says not all Section 106 homes up to standards after HBF study finds 8,500 homes uncontracted

A new study by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) has estimated that 8,500 Section 106 homes either being built now or due to start within the next year have no registered provider contracted

dlvr.it

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Reposted by Fiona Howie

Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 10d

Reform say it is "disgusting and libellous" to suggest that Nigel Farage flirted with Hitler Youth when he was young.

Here's how a former teacher at his school remembers it

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 10d

Having left Liverpool and #Labourpartyconference today, I hope to never see a ‘build, baby build’ hat again.

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 13d

Initial response from @thetcpa.bsky.social to the New Towns publications today at link below. Lots to digest so we have focused on the Gov response for now but will, no doubt, have more to say… #newtowns #placemaking

www.linkedin.com/posts/tcpa_i...

Initial government response - September 2025 | Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA)

Responding to the New Towns publications today, the chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association, Fiona Howie, said: ‘As the Prime Minister acknowledged this morning, new new towns a...

www.linkedin.com

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 13d

'The next generation of new towns must be well-connected, well-designed, sustainable, healthy and attractive places where people want to live and have all the infrastructure, amenities and services necessary to sustain thriving communities established from the outset.'

Matthew Pennycook MP @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social · 13d

We warmly welcome all 12 of the locations recommend by the Taskforce with Tempsford, Crews Hill and Leeds South Bank looking particularly promising.

We are today commencing a SEA to support final decisions on precisely which sites will be taken forward.

www.gov.uk/government/p...

Initial government response - September 2025

www.gov.uk

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 13d

Will be on my way to Liverpool tomorrow so miss the actual speech - but luckily useful summary in advance below!

The Guardian @theguardian.com · 13d

Plan to build 12 new towns in England to be unveiled at Labour conference

Housing secretary is set to announce initiative modelled on Clement Attlee’s postwar ‘housing boom’ The government is expected to announce on Sunday a programme to build 12 new towns across England in a bid to address the country’s housing crisis. The housing secretary, Steve Reed, will unveil the initiative at Labour’s annual conference as it begins in Liverpool. The prime minister, Keir Starmer, described the proposals as “national renewal in action”. Continue reading...

www.theguardian.com

Reposted by Fiona Howie

Royal Town Planning Institute @rtpiplanners.bsky.social · 15d

RTPI has signed a joint letter with more than 30 organisations calling for £6.8m in urgent funding to support Planning Schools to continue to recruit and train apprentice planners.

Read the joint letter:
https://www.rtpi.org.uk/letter-to-matthew-pennycook-mp-minister-for-housing-and-planning/

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 18d

As well as an emphasis on sustainable communities, that are well designed and promote active travel.

Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 18d

Good to hear both @gideonamos.bsky.social and @sarahgibsonmp.bsky.social at #LibDem conference highlighting the importance of SME house builders and reigniting social house building by councils if more homes are to be built.

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 18d

Getting a little vitamin D in between fringes and meetings at Lib Dem party conference. #Bournemouth #partyconferenceseason

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Reposted by Fiona Howie

Town and Country Planning Association @thetcpa.bsky.social · 22d

Do you have excellent organisational skills & are you calm under pressure?

We're looking for an Events & Projects Assistant to help us deliver our programme of high quality, high profile in-person & virtual events.

Apply by 11am on 6 October.

Find out more: www.tcpa.org.uk/vacancy-even...

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 28d

A little reminder of growing up in the 80s. My 13 year old is a big fan.

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · 28d

@thetcpa.bsky.social is looking for up to 2 new Trustees. Please help by sharing with your networks.

#charitygovernance #charity #trustee

Town and Country Planning Association @thetcpa.bsky.social · 28d

We're looking to appoint new Trustees. You don't need experience in planning/the built environment.
We're particularly interested in candidates with experience in:
Fundraising & business development
Governance
Operational elements of running a small charity
Campaigning & comms
shorturl.at/G0OQ3

(Vacancy) Trustee – Town and Country Planning Association - Town and Country Planning Association

The TCPA is looking to appoint up to two new Trustees. Expertise in town planning or the built environment sector is not essential.

www.tcpa.org.uk

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · Sep 11

Early start to get to the Gov annual planning conf in Leeds today. I’ve been asked to talk about ‘planning for large scale housing growth’ but I will be very consciously talking about large scale new communities. #planning #placemaking

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · Sep 9

I think we can all agree we were lucky to live to tell the tale!

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · Sep 9

Classic @thetcpa.bsky.social gathering this evening. We got chased out of the communal garden by an aggressive squirrel. #latesummerdrinks @juliathrift.bsky.social @rcallway.bsky.social may have a pic of the squirrel if required.

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Reposted by Fiona Howie

Town and Country Planning Association @thetcpa.bsky.social · Sep 9

Join us at 2pm today! Tickets: www.tcpa.org.uk/event/planni...

Town and Country Planning Association @thetcpa.bsky.social · Sep 8

The impacts of flooding, overheating & other consequences of climate change stand in the way of the creation of vibrant communities.

Tomorrow's webinar will explore the practical ways to address climate impact & mitigation in large-scale new communities.

🎟️ www.tcpa.org.uk/event/planni...

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Fiona Howie @fionahowie.bsky.social · Sep 8

Just to confirm - am still not fully recovered. Big mistake. Huge. #running

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