This is the 15th year of #DuvetKnowItsChristmas, which is preposterous. Rules: if you find yourself dealing with unusual / claustrophobic / gaudy sleeping arrangements this Christmas Eve, share a picture with the world. Use the hashtag (with capitalisation) and cc me if you can be bothered.

Right, time to crack open the Quality Street.

One of the unexpected highlights of my day - listening to a string quartet play The Pogues, Fairytale of New York.

Another Christmas craft session. This time botanical decorations at the South London Botanical Institute while drinking mulled wine. It’s beginning to feel a bit like Christmas…

@thetcpa.bsky.social Christmas Crafternoon is now in fully swing!

Local news latest. First they came for the Bus Shelter, and I didn't speak out. Then they came for the Tiki Bars...

In 2020 the TCPA launched a free digital archive: an invaluable resource for students, academics, practitioners & politicians across the built & natural environment sector. It includes issues of Town & Country Planning journal and the Bulletin of Environmental Education (BEE). archive.tcpa.org.uk

Are you a local authority planning officer, councillor or practitioner interested in how planning can deliver climate action? On 10 December the @rtpiplanners.bsky.social & TCPA will launch the 5th edition of their guidance on planning for climate change. Webinar registration: shorturl.at/Vp97f

Join the TCPA & the RTPI for the launch of the 5th ed. of their authoritative guidance on planning for climate change. This edition has a new format, with a series of topic resources grouped under the headings of intro & policy context, climate mitigation, & climate adaptation. shorturl.at/KH0Uv

It looks like Reform has lost *another* councillor at Kent County Council. Isabella Kemp now sits as an Independent, according to the council website. Means that Kent has lost ***16%*** of its Reform councillors since May👀 www.politicshome.com/news/article...

How did he get away with it? I was sure Joe Marler wouldn’t drop it. #celebritytraitors

Is anyone going to remember that Alan forgot he had a shield…? #celebritytraitors

Things are pretty tense at Brighton Pier!

The Christmas Shop in Selfridges is quite something.

While I don't know if it really was 'good news' for Starmer, I think this line is important to note: 'The result was a very disappointing one for Reform, who were optimistic about winning the seat and justifying their polling status as favourites to win the Welsh elections in May.'

We've published 3 new guides to help communities tackle climate-related issues in their areas: Guide to flood risk 🌊 Guide to overheating 🌡️ Guide to retrofit 🏡 These free resources highlight how local communities are putting sustainable planning principles into practise. shorturl.at/L4ZJq

If, like me, you are struggling to contain your excitement while waiting for the next episode of #celebritytraitors - would recommend this to help pass some of the time… youtu.be/Uxbncl2E_VY?...

RIBA Stirling Prize 2025: London Social Housing Project Is The Best New Building in Britain for 2025 www.timeout.com/london/news/...

As the article also notes, 500 times in a year is equivalent to twice every working day. And representatives of BP, Shell and Equinor met ministers 100 times between them.

One of the most surprising things I’ve seen on TV for a while. #CelebrityTraitors

I am so bloomin’ excited about the next episode of #celebritytraitors

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.

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.

‘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.”’

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.

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

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

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...

'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.'

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

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/

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.

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

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...

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

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

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

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.

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

'Will they follow the postwar orthodoxy, establishing autonomous places with their own identities, or our more recent experience of seemingly ad-hoc housebuilder estates whose promised community facilities turn out to be a Tesco Express?' How to make a town - www.ft.com/content/f53b...

Nelson Staircase, Somerset House. As staircases go, it’s a beauty!

Deadline day latest: changes to Starmer's squad into tonight

I'm meant to be writing an article for our journal but am too distracted by the #reshuffle. Good luck to everyone organising panels and events involving ministers at Labour Party Conference...

There's still time to get your ticket for 'Planning for climate change in new communities' (9 October, 2-3.30pm) The webinar will offer insight for local councils, planners & communities. We’ll explore the practical realities of addressing climate impact & mitigation www.tcpa.org.uk/event/planni...

Went for a long-ish run today. It was awful. Might never recover. But, despite that, I still managed to appreciate both Clapham and Tooting Commons. #SWLondon #running

The 13 year old had a surprisingly productive afternoon today.

As we continue to wait for a housing strategy from the government, this article is well worth a read. www.thetimes.com/article/3674...

It is probably fair for the survey respondents to have doubts. We recently published our vision for 21st Century New Towns. The success criteria for new new towns must surely be whether the communities meet people's needs and are places in which people want to live. www.tcpa.org.uk/wp-content/u...

📢 We're hiring! Osborn Research Assistant (New Towns & Garden Cities) This role works on a range of projects, with an emphasis on large-scale new communities inc. New Towns & Garden Cities. Salary: £26 -28k p.a. Deadline: 1 Sep 2pm. www.tcpa.org.uk/osborn-resea... #CharityJob #ResearchJob