This event explores the new planning landscape and gains exclusive insights into how the updated framework affects parish and town councils.
The new government has prioritised updating the National Planning Policy Framework to boost housebuilding, growth, and sustainability. But where do parish and town councils fit into this evolving landscape? The event tackles The $64,000 Question: Can governments achieve their housing targets while integrating community feedback through a democratic planning process?
Explore the new planning landscape and gain exclusive insights into how the updated framework affects parish and town councils and the future of housing development. Attendees will leave understanding the complexities of balancing large-scale growth with genuine community engagement and learn from success stories on how local councils have effectively amplified their voices and influenced planning decisions in their communities.
Sponsors: Blachere Illumination, CCLA and Clear Councils Insurance
NB: NALC reserves the right to change the programme at any time.





Director of policy, Town and Country Planning Association
Hugh Ellis is responsible for leading on policy development, briefings and engagement with central and local government at the Town and Country Planning Association. In 2018, he led the secretariat for the Raynsford Review, setting out a blueprint for a new planning system in England. Hugh has worked closely with parliamentarians on successive rounds of planning legislation. He is currently leading on the promotion of Healthy Homes legislation and on long-term planning for the climate crisis.

Head of policy and planning, CPRE
Paul Miner is the head of policy and planning at CPRE (The Countryside Charity), where he has led influential national campaigns on planning, the Green Belt, and sustainable development for over 18 years. An experienced and collaborative policy expert, Paul works closely with government bodies, agencies like Natural England, and sector coalitions including Wildlife and Countryside Link, where he has served as both a trustee and working group chair. His work focuses on ensuring planning policies protect the countryside while supporting communities and climate resilience.

Chief executive, CPRE
Roger Mortlock joined CPRE (The Countryside Charity) as chief executive in May 2023 and is responsible for the overall running of the organisation. He joined following 10 years as chief executive of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, and leadership roles at the Soil Association and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is passionate about a more sustainable future for rural England and CPRE’s role in finding solutions which make the best use of land and safeguard the countryside. He has held non-executive roles with the Bat Conservation Trust and the Soil Association Land Trust and is currently a trustee with the Summerfield Charitable Trust.

Planning advisor, Society of Local Council Clerks
Andrew Towlerton is a qualified planner with over 30 years’ experience across the public and private sectors, including senior leadership roles, and is widely recognised for his expertise in local government and community planning. He serves as the national planning advisor to the Society of Local Council Clerks. Andrew previously held the role of assistant director at a district council, where he managed planning, housing, consultation and community involvement services. He is also a clerk to Ecclesfield Parish Council.
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