There has been a rapid pace of reform to improve the planning system and to get Britain building. The government is to underwrite up to £50bn of private sector building projects that need finance. The National Planning Policy Framework set out to remove unnecessary barriers and cut back on bureaucracy in order to help support swifter decision-making with applications. However, since the framework was announced, the Financial Times reported in September that planning permissions have actually fallen by 32% since the first quarter of 2012. Have the reforms muddied the waters for developers, planners and landowners or do the changes in legislation make it easier for development and growth?

Local authorities have a crucial role to play. They are responsible for half of all public land that is fit for residential development alone and can help accelerate the release of surplus public land for the creation of new homes, developments and employment opportunities. Of the estimated 61,920ha of brownfield land in England, 54% is derelict or vacant, while the remainder is in use but with potential for redevelopment, much of which is also publicly owned.

How we can bring this land back into productive use is a key challenge. At Shaping Places: Getting Britain Building our expert speakers will offer clarity on the new changes in legislation and how they will impact on communities, construction, housing, industry, town centres and the environment.