Why Our Planning System Is Broken

In this episode, Paul sits down with leading industry expert Esther Kurland to explore the complexities of property development, planning policies, and the challenges faced by local authorities in delivering quality housing. They discuss how design standards have evolved, the influence of government policies such as CABE and the London Plan, and the ongoing struggle between private development and the public good. KEY TAKEAWAYS Good design in property development remains a driving motivation for industry leaders. CABE was a pivotal force in raising architecture and design standards. Local authorities are increasingly under-resourced, struggling with planning challenges. Although planning has shifted toward pro-development, delivery is hampered by systemic underfunding. Balancing density and quality is essential to building sustainable communities for the future. BEST MOMENTS “Promoting good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about building communities that last.” “CABE set the stage for a whole new way of thinking about planning and architecture.” “Local authorities simply don’t have the resources to keep up with the demands of planning.” “We’ve made planning more pro-development, but without resources, the system still doesn’t work.” “Density and quality don’t have to be in conflict—done right, they can complement each other.” HOST BIO Paul Higgs is a Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor with 40+ years of experience in land, planning, and development, with a 100% success track record in securing planning consents. Starting with his first refurb project at 17, Paul worked his way up from labouring on building sites to becoming Head of Land at Barratt Developments, one of the UK’s largest housebuilders. In 2002, he left the corporate world to establish Millbank Group, now a multimillion-pound, award-winning property development company. In 2013, he founded the Millbank Land Academy, the UK’s first dedicated training company for property developers, sharing insider knowledge the big housebuilders would rather keep secret. Paul is also a founding investor and former board director of LandTech, and has lectured on Advanced Development Valuations at London South Bank University. LinkedIn: Paul Higgs Millbank Land Academy: millbanklandacademy.co.uk Instagram: @paulhiggsofficial YouTube: Inside Property Development This podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media.