S4 · E39
August 18 · 33 min
S4 Ep39: Jonathan Prynn on ‘Fleet Street North’, business leaders finding their voice and his new role at The Telegraph
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Better Places
Better Places
A Kanda podcast featuring political analysis and its impact on the planning and property sector from across London and the UK.
- 20 episodes
- Avg 32 min
- English
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S4 · E38July 8 · 13 minS4 Ep38: Jelly Mould Wobble? Tom Sleigh Responds to 11th Hour Intervention
Just when the City Plan looked set to sail through, Matthew Pennycook stepped in. Simon Gartshore sits down with Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the City of London Corporation's Planning & Transportation Committee, for his first in-depth interview on the Minister's late intervention, relations with Heritage bodies, and what it all means for investor confidence in the Square Mile.
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S4 · E37May 22 · 25 minS4 Ep37: City Plan, Planning Reform & Culture in the Square Mile | Tom Sleigh, Chair of Planning, City of London
In this episode recorded live at UKREiiF, Simon Gartshore, Deputy Managing Director at Kanda Consulting, sits down with Tom Sleigh, recently reelected as Chair of the City of London Corporation's Planning and Transportation Committee. Tom reflects on his first year — including a record breaking number of applications — and shares his views on the pace of national planning reform, the near-final stages of the City Plan, and the challenge of balancing growth with heritage in the Square Mile. The conversation also covers stalled development sites, the role of culture in Destination City, the arrival of AI in planning practice, and what a reduced planning committee will mean for decision-making in one of the world's most important business districts.
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S4 · E36May 14 · 21 minS4 Ep36: Discussing election outcomes with the Cambridge Independent's political correspondent.
In the latest episode of the Concilio x Kanda Better Places Podcast, Nick Dines is joined by Phil Rodgers to unpack the results across Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, alongside what Local Government Reorganisation could mean for the region. The conversation covers: Labour losing overall control of Cambridge City Council The Green Party’s breakthrough gains in Cambridge The Liberal Democrats’ near-clean sweep in South Cambridgeshire Huntingdonshire’s next rainbow coalition The future structure of local government across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough An essential listen for anyone involved in planning, development, infrastructure and public affairs across the Ox-Cam corridor.
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S4 · E35February 27 · 32 minS4 Ep35: Visitor Levy, BIDs and Place Funding: Dr Julie Grail on What Happens Next
In the latest episode of the Better Places Podcast, Concilio’s Yiannis Sophocleous is joined by Dr Julie Grail, founder of The BIDs Business and one of the UK’s leading voices on Business Improvement Districts, to discuss the proposed overnight visitor levy and what it could mean for cities across England. With the consultation now closed, the debate has sharpened. The conversation explores the bigger themes behind the policy, including: Whether the levy can operate as a genuine growth tool The importance of governance, transparency and ringfencing The impact on competitiveness and the visitor economy Lessons from international examples The role of BIDs in shaping and delivering place-based funding Looking beyond the levy itself, the discussion also reflects on the future of BIDs, the challenges facing town and city centres, and how partnership models must evolve in a changing political and economic climate. This is a timely and thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in place management, hospitality, planning and local government.
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S4 · E34February 3 · 22 minS4 Ep34: Jessica Tarlov on Mamdani and the Politics of Affordability
In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Concilio’s Nick Dines and Sehj Kaur sit down with Jessica Tarlov, one of the most influential Democratic voices in the United States, for a conversation on the changing shape of left-wing politics. The discussion centres on the rise of Zohran Mamdani, whose victory in New York has captured attention far beyond the US. From campaign energy and digital strategy to in-person organising and message discipline, Jessica explains why Mamdani broke through and why his relentless focus on affordability cut across traditional political divides. Drawing on her experience as a New Yorker and political insider, Jessica explores how issues such as housing costs and student debt are reshaping electoral coalitions. The conversation also looks at what UK politicians, particularly in cities like London, may be able to learn from this moment, and where direct comparisons fall short. The episode explores why voters are turning away from the status quo and focusing more on everyday economic issues.
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S4 · E33Dec 2, 2025 · 43 minS4 Ep33: How Co-living Tackles the Housing Crisis and Urban Loneliness
Mark Thomson, Planning Director at Savills, and Rosie Ashton, Design Manager at Verv-life, join Concilio’s Siddo and Rochelle to discuss how co-living tackles the housing crisis and urban loneliness. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer and Account Executive Rochelle Blakeman, sit down with Mark Thomson, Planning Director at Savills, and Rosie Ashton, Design Manager at Verv-life, to discuss the rise of co-living, what it is, who it’s for, and whether it can help tackle two of London’s biggest challenges: the housing crisis and urban loneliness. Key points discussed: · Co-living offers a professionally managed, community-focused alternative to HMOs, with private studios, all-inclusive bills, and flexible tenures. · Thoughtful design and curated events help tackle urban loneliness, creating welcoming social spaces that genuinely encourage connection. · New regulations have driven better-zoned, higher-quality studio layouts, while clustered amenities and strong local partnerships enhance resident experience. · Co-living provides cost certainty and potential for discounted-market options for key workers, challenging misconceptions about quality and affordability. · With clearer, more flexible policy, co-living could play a bigger role in London’s housing mix and help ease pressure on traditional rental supply. For anyone interested in housing innovation, rental market reform, community-led placemaking, or how London can diversify supply in the face of mounting pressures, this episode offers insight into the new opportunities shaping the next generation of urban living. Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E32Nov 24, 2025 · 30 minS4 Ep32: In conversation with Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council and Deputy Chair of London Councils
In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Siddo Dwyer sits down with Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council and Deputy Chair of London Councils, holding the Housing and Regeneration brief. From her early career as a secondary school teacher in East London to leading one of the capital’s most dynamic regeneration stories, Cllr Williams brings a rare blend of people-first instincts and ambitious, forward-looking leadership. Since taking the helm in 2021, she’s been driving an ambitious agenda: delivering high-quality homes, nurturing culture as a catalyst for growth, creative place-making strategies and shaping neighbourhoods that stay true to their identity even as they evolve. The discussion dives into the borough’s bold decisions on developments in Blackhorse Lane and Walthamstow, the transformation of the Town Hall Quarter, Soho Theatre Walthamstow’s cultural pull, and how the Local Plan is guiding future growth. Cllr Williams also reflects on the realities behind the government reducing the affordable housing threshold from 35% to 20% and her continued commitment to delivering genuinely affordable homes, and how trust, design excellence, and community dialogue underpin every major decision. This episode offers a grounded, optimistic look at how political leadership, strong design principles, and a culture-led approach can shape better places - and what Waltham Forest’s journey tells us about the future of regeneration in London. Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E31Nov 17, 2025 · 25 minS4 Ep31: Prof Tony Travers previews the upcoming London local elections
In the latest episode of the Better Places Podcast, Concilio’s Sam Griffiths is joined by Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics, to discuss the upcoming local elections in London in May 2026. Tony is the leading academic expert on London’s government and politics, and this fascinating discussion explores the forces changing London politically and how they are making the elections next year increasingly hard to predict. The topics Tony and Sam cover include: - How is the rise of so-called ‘Pro-Gaza independent’ groups in parts of East London going to challenge Labour’s traditional dominance in these areas, and what ideology drives these new campaigners? - How will the new Green party leader Zack Polanski, and his energetic brand of ‘eco-populism’, impact the race and tempt younger votes away from Labour? - Are the Liberal Democrats poised to make gains, not just in their traditional strongholds in South-West London but also in the centre of the city? - Can the Conservatives stage a fightback and take back control of their former ‘flagship’ councils like Westminster and Wandsworth? - What will the Reform UK factor be? How will Farage’s upstart party disrupt the contest and what councils could they win? - And finally, what does this upheaval mean for planning and development in the capital? This is an indispensable briefing on the current state of the race to control London’s councils next year, and if you want to understand how planning and development could change in the capital as a result. Concilio will shortly be launching the first in a series of London local election reports – giving you data-led analysis of the key council races, the latest news on campaigns and candidates, and our analysis of what it could mean for the property sector. To sign up to receive the first report when it is released, please click here or email londonelections@conciliocomms.com.
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S4 · E30Oct 24, 2025 · 34 minS4 Ep30: Simon Ricketts and Nick Dines discuss the Government and GLA 'Homes for London' proposals
The UK’s #1 ranked panning lawyer, Simon Ricketts, joins the podcast to discuss the Government’s package of support for housebuilding in London. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places Podcast we were joined by the UK’s #1 ranked Planning Lawyer, Simon Ricketts, to discuss the Government and Sadiq Khan’s announcement of 23rd October on a series of measures that can support housebuilding in London. The housing crisis in London is real, with Molior reporting that private construction starts totalled just 3,248 homes in the first three quarters of 2025 and likely 5,000 for the year. One in six construction projects have halted whilst there were only 5,933 new home sales over Q1 to Q3. Alongside this, Build-to-Rent starts are drying up, with Molior predicting that BTR completions are set to disappear after 2027. The human impact of this is stark. More than 130,000 households are living in temporary accommodation in London and the cost of this has led to a £740m black hole for local authorities. Concilio’s MD Nick Dines and Simon look at the Government’s proposed reforms: Time-limited planning route that enables developers to secure planning permission for schemes on private land that provides at least 20% affordable without requiring an upfront viability assessment. This will qualify for Fast Track and be eligible for grant. Temporary relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy, covering 50% of the borough CIL charge for schemes delivering at least 20% affordable. Adjusting London Plan design guidance on dual aspect requirements, dwellings per core and cycle storage provision. Enhanced Mayoral planning powers, giving the Mayor the authority over 50 unit schemes, the ability to call in 1,000 sqm Green Belt and MOL and allow written rep call ins. An initial £322m allocation to establish a City Hall Developer Investment Fund Simon explains his understanding on the timings involved and looks at four different scenarios for developers: Existing planning permission that is unimplemented or is a phased consent Application approved by Committee yet does not have the Section 106 signed An application that has been submitted but has not been determined An application not yet submitted The podcast is a fascinating, must-listen episode if you want to understand how significant the changes coming to planning in London are.
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S4 · E29Oct 9, 2025 · 44 minS4 Ep29: Concilio x JL Partners: How Reform Can Win a Majority in 2029
In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places Podcast, we sat down with James Johnson, Founding Partner of JL Partners, to explore how Reform can win a majority in 2029. James previously served as the Senior Opinion Research and Strategy Advisor to Prime Minister Theresa May. JL Partners are one of the UK's most accurate pollsters (and one of the very few to project a win for Donald Trump in the 2024 US election). James delves into the explosive rise of Reform UK, sharing Friderichs Advisory Partners and JL Partners latest in-depth polling and ground-level voter analysis data that reveals why Reform is the current polling frontrunner. Our discussion explores the real reasons for Reform’s success and the unprecendented drop in support behind the Labour government and the Conservative Party. We explore: The Winter Fuel Allowance Effect: Why a year-old policy U-turn is still the most-mentioned reason for Labour's decline. The Reform Voter Profile: The key motivations of the "Pessimistic Patriots," and why their concerns are pragmatic issues like public services and housing—not the fringe right agendas that dominate online discourse. The Path to Power: The strategic roadmap showing how Reform's current appeal is perfectly aligned with the First Past the Post system to deliver a massive seat dividend and a potential majority. The Competence Trap: Why, in 2025, voters prioritize a party that shares their values and promises to get things done over one that simply projects a traditional image of competence. This episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking a unfashionable take on the seismic shifts shaping British politics and the true forces driving Reform UK's ascent up the polls and potentially, into power. And stay tuned! Next week, we will release the second edition of our Inside Reform report series, exploring Reform’s expanding footprint in local government. The report will highlight early moves by councils under their control, as well as controversial policy calls from mayoral leaders, and shine a light on the party's gains across the country in the past month's by-elections. Join our mailing list now to receive our next report direct to your inbox.
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S4 · E28Oct 2, 2025 · 53 minS4 Ep28: Making London Fun Again
In Our Public Spaces, High Streets & the Experience Economy At this year’s Labour Party Conference, one of the key themes was the urgent need to build more homes and restore confidence in the market. But as our panel discussed, London’s future isn’t just about housing numbers - it’s also about placemaking, culture, and the experience economy. Hosted by Concilio’s Yiannis Sophocleous and Siddo Dwyer, we asked: How do we Make London Fun Again? Our brilliant panel: Cllr Geoff Barraclough - Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development, Westminster City Council Cllr Portia Mwangangye - Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks & Young People, Southwark Council Antonia Stratford - Head of Public Affairs, Heart of London Business Alliance Graeme Craig - Chief Executive, Places for London Key takeaways: London’s diversity is its greatest strength - celebrate and protect it. Housing and community building are investments in London’s and the UK’s future. Young people and diverse communities must be central to consultations and policy. The West End’s experience economy is pivotal to London’s global standing - business, culture, and government need to work hand-in-hand to keep it competitive. Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E27Sep 25, 2025 · 37 minS4 Ep27: Mete Coban MBE on a greener London
London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban MBE joins Concilio’s Account Director Siddo Dwyer to discuss the future of a greener London. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer sits down with Mete Coban MBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy. From growing up in a council flat in Hackney to shaping London’s city-wide response to the climate crisis, Mete brings both lived experience and bold vision to one of the capital’s most urgent challenges. Previously Hackney’s youngest ever councillor and a trailblazing Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, he now leads City Hall’s work to clean up London’s air and rivers, decarbonise its buildings, and deliver a just transition to net zero. The conversation explores what it means to deliver climate action at the scale of a global city while keeping communities, fairness, and placemaking at the heart of that mission. We discuss London’s retrofit revolution, the drive to make rivers swimmable within a decade, and how planning and investment can support greener, healthier neighbourhoods. Mete also shares his thoughts on local leadership, community power, and why climate justice must be about lowering bills, creating good jobs, and improving quality of life for those who’ve historically been left behind. This episode offers a hopeful, grounded take on what London’s green transition looks like in practice - from the policy levers at City Hall to the front doors of Londoners’ homes - and the leadership it will take to get us there. Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E26Sep 18, 2025 · 45 minS4 Ep26: Airports to High Streets: shaping places with Ibrahim Ibrahim
Portland Design’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Ibrahim joins Concilio’s Account Director Siddo Dwyer to discuss human-centred placeshaping and future-ready retail. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places Podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer sits down with Ibrahim Ibrahim, Managing Director of Portland Design and one of the UK’s leading voices on human-centred placeshaping and future-ready retail, to explore how rapid change is rewriting the rules of design and development. Key points discussed: The evolution of Portland from retail design agency to global strategic consultancy The importance of connection, experience, and belonging in successful places Community-led placemaking and its role in shaping neighbourhoods Reimagining passenger and visitor experiences in transport hubs Insights from Future-Ready Retail and Ibrahim’s upcoming book Ibrahim shares how his background in engineering and industrial design has informed his approach to placemaking, blending technical rigour with creative vision. He reflects on projects from Elephant & Castle to King’s Cross, and international airport transformations, explaining how design can drive human connection and business value. The conversation highlights why future-ready places are measured not just in footfall, but in emotional resonance, and why collaboration between designers, developers, and communities is critical to creating thriving, meaningful destinations. Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E25Jul 29, 2025 · 33 minS4 Ep25: The future growth potential of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Chief Executive of Huntingdonshire District Council, Michelle Sacks, and the CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Horobin, join Nick Dines to explain economic growth opportunities for the County. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines is joined by the Chief Executive of Huntingdonshire District Council, Michelle Sacks, and the CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, Michelle Horobin. The conversation explores: Cambridge's global reputation in science and technology - and how that success can benefit the wider County The contribution of sectors like logistics, advanced manufacturing, agritech and defence - sometimes overlooked, but vital to the region's economy. The role of Anglia Ruskin University in supporting skills, training and access to opportunity. The importance of collaboration between all of the local authorities in the County, Combined Authority, business and education to deliver growth that works for communities. Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E24Jul 22, 2025 · 26 minS4 Ep24: Discussing the future of Enfield with Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council
From grassroots football to the council leadership, Enfield’s Leader shares his vision for a fairer, safer and more ambitious borough. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines is joined by Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council. The conversation covers: Local leadership and the shift from Deputy to Leader of the Council Policing and Operation Pisces – tackling anti-social behaviour, drug crime and public safety The Enfield Local Plan – including Green Belt proposals, family housing delivery, and industrial land Major development at Meridian Water The role of Angel Yard and meanwhile uses in supporting local enterprise Temporary accommodation pressures, the rise in homelessness and HMO concerns Creating real partnerships with the private sector to deliver social and affordable homes Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E23Jul 17, 2025 · 35 minS4 Ep23: Patrick Scally on the Future of Hackney Wick
Chief Executive of Hackney Wick and Fish Island CDT, Patrick Scally, joins Nick Dines to explore how grassroots leadership, long-term stewardship and community collaboration are reshaping regeneration in East London. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines is joined by Patrick Scally, Chief Executive of Hackney Wick and Fish Island Community Development Trust (CDT). The conversation explores: How the CDT was formed in response to rapid regeneration after the Olympics The long-term lease at 290 Wallis Road and how the CDT delivers a meanwhile-use model rooted in the circular economy The role of local voices in shaping development – from policy and planning to placemaking and programming How affordable workspace can be both commercially viable and socially meaningful Lessons for developers, planners and councils on how to go beyond box-ticking and enable truly community-led regeneration Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E22Jul 2, 2025 · 29 minS4 Ep22: A Vision for Cambridge: In Conversation with Peter Freeman
How the Cambridge Growth Company is setting the stage for infrastructure-led, inclusive development. Peter Freeman, Chairman of the Cambridge Growth Company and co-founder of Argent, joins Better Places to share a bold vision for Cambridge’s future. Drawing on his experience delivering major regeneration projects such as King’s Cross, Peter outlines how the newly established Growth Company will tackle the city’s most pressing infrastructure challenges. With Cambridge facing mounting pressures on transport, water, and energy, the Growth Company’s “infrastructure-first” approach aims to unlock sustainable development at scale, combining new homes, jobs, schools, and public spaces in integrated masterplans. Backed by a new evidence base and expert team, the company will play a central role in attracting long-term private investment. Peter also stresses that the city’s growth must be inclusive. Connecting all communities to Cambridge’s economic success, through better transport, targeted training, and access to opportunity, is key to creating a fairer future. Tune in to hear how Peter plans to make Cambridge a global exemplar of placemaking by 2050, and what it means for the region, its people, and its future
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S4 · E21Jun 26, 2025 · 38 minS4 Ep21: Haringey Goes for Growth with Cllr Peray Ahmet
Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, joins Concilio’s Account Director Siddo Dwyer for a conversation on housing, inclusive growth and estate regeneration. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer sits down with Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council. Since becoming Leader in 2021, Peray has overseen a shift in the borough’s trajectory: restoring confidence in housing delivery, embedding a renewed focus on inclusive growth, and retelling the story of a borough with ambition. The conversation explores: What it means to lead a borough post-HDV How estate regeneration can be done with - not to – communities How Peray’s team is tackling long-standing questions about Wood Green and employment opportunity Haringey’s future as London Borough of Culture in 2027 Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 · E20Jun 19, 2025 · 26 minS4 Ep20: Building Harlow's Future: In conversation with Cllr Dan Swords
Leader of Harlow Council, Cllr Dan Swords, joins Concilio’s Nick Dines and Salvatore Pagdades to discuss the bold and ambitious plans for Harlow’s future. In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines and Account Executive Salvatore Pagdades sit down with Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council. Key points discussed: · Dan’s six ‘missions’ for the council · Building Harlow’s Future plan - including bold town centre regeneration plans · Harlow and Gilston Garden Town · Harlow Growth Board and its new Chair · Influence of Sir Frederick Gibberd’s New Town As local government reform and a proposed Mayoral Combined Authority loom, Dan shares his views on how Harlow can lead - not be led - in shaping its next chapter. Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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