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Few things in life are certain. The only pleasurable one is the Oxford Joint Planning Law Conference. Every September I always know that I will come away from the weekend having experienced (1) really top quality presentations by leaders in the planning field and which have been subjected to peer review in a way that really doesn't happen elsewhere (2) the opportunity to socialise with the majority of those in the planning and planning law professions at all levels in a completely non-hierarchical way and a world away from the commercial conference circuit and (3) the unique atmosphere of New College which I just wish I could bottle and sell.

Partner
SJ Berwin LLP

The Oxford Planning Conference is an excellent opportunity to keep up, both with the new developments and thinking in a rapidly changing world and also with old friends and colleagues. It is a winning combination of education and sociability which I always make it a point to try not to miss.

Barrister
No 5 Chambers

One of the best planning law conferences in the annual calendar - you can always expect speakers who are both erudite and entertaining, professional organisation and an unparalleled opportunity to network in the bar and disco!

Principal Solicitor
Environment Agency

The Oxford conference has proved its worth over many years. It still provides a vital forum for debate and a crucial meeting place for all those concerned with planning law.

Barrister
4-5 Gray's Inn Square

The Oxford conference is an essential insight for the junior planning barrister into how planning works, the opportunities, the pitfalls and the personalities. I have twice attended on the generous scholarship for those of recent call and recommend it very highly from both a professional and personal point of view.

Ned Westaway
Francis Taylor Building

Fantastic venue and consistently superb quality of speakers, the JPLC is a "must attend" for anyone currently involved with planning and development in the UK.

Dr Louise Brooke-Smith
Partner, Arcadis LLP, UK Head of Town Planning and Head of Social Value, RICS Past Global President (2014-15)

A wonderful opportunity to learn and socialise in a fantastic setting.

Ben Borthwick
Deloitte LLP

First class multi-disciplinary presentations that are insightful and thought provoking and often with and wit and humour; great conference accommodation and exceptional organisation and all within an historic university college setting.

Paul Collins
Chair RICS Planning & Development Professional Group Nottingham Trent University School of Architecture, Design & the Built Environment

This is and always has been the premier weekend event where you are brought up to speed with legislation, political thinking, and practice, and where you can meet and discuss with those who have similar interests as you; all in a collegiate atmosphere with good food and drink.

Andrew Warner
Chartered Surveyor

The JPLC is the only conference where you will get comprehensive access to all the disciplines and a wide range of speakers who are the leading experts in their field. It's a must for planners and surveyors as well as lawyers.

John Walker
Westminster City Council

My first time at what was an outstandingly, good and enjoyable conference. I will be back.

Clive Moys
Radcliffe Chambers

What really sets this conference off from other events is the exploration of broader planning without losing sight of the legal context, as well as the opportunity to discuss developments with our peers outside of the talks. That, the friendly atmosphere, the opportunity to catch up with old friends and the setting makes it something special.

Simon Kelly
DAC Beachcroft LLP

The premier planning law event of the year. Quality papers presented by the very best speakers in the sector. A must attend.

Leonie Oliva
Deloitte Real Estate

Always a fantastic event when the most topical planning subjects are covered by the very best speakers around.

Dr Stephanie Wray

Excellent speakers at a superb venue

Jane Burgess
Aardvark Planning Law

It's the standout planning law conference of the year.

Simon Gallagher
MHCLG

Probably the highest quality, best value, most fun planning conference of the year.

Julia Chowings
Brunel Planning

Excellent presentations and papers from a diverse range of professionals offering their experience and perspective of the planning landscape. Very good value and congenial company.

Neil McBride
Lincolnshire County Council

JPLC is the annual opportunity to let some of our industry's best practitioners remind us why we chose our careers in the first place.

Fiona McCandless
Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland

The most comprehensive, interesting and challenging overview of planning law that you can attend.

Scott Symington
Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland

It is the key seminar of the year for planners and lawyers. Anyone serious about planning should make the time and effort to go.

Mike Hayes CBE
Michael Hayes Consulting Ltd

Simply the best event of its kind - a must attend for those at the forefront of planning in England.

Matthew Dale-Harris
Landmark Chambers

The premiere planning law event of the year bringing all the main disciplines together.

Dr Louise Brooke-Smith
Brooke Smith Planning

Thought provoking and informative in equal measure.

Adrian Winkley
Lincolnshire County Council

Simply the best annual planning conference around.

Michael Bedford QC
Cornerstone Barristers

Busy practitioners can easily lose track of the welter of case law and the other changes to the planning system that accumulate each year. The JPLC is a great opportunity to catch up and reflect, in convivial company.

Simon Ricketts
Town Legal LLP

Nicely paced, stimulating, relevant and sociable.

Giles Atkinson
6 Pump Court

Always the best legal planning update of the year.

Dr Ashley Bowes
Cornerstone Barristers

A wonderful opportunity to learn and socialise in a fantastic setting

Tom Dobson
Quod

’The highlight of the planning law calendar - the speakers and papers are first class and networking opportunities excellent.

Jennifer Holgate
Womble Bond Dickinson LLP

 

 "After my first experience of the Oxford conference I will definitely be back! It was a great weekend of learning and networking opportunities in a stunning setting.  

The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and there was a great mix of events."

 

Lisa Bazalo
Senior Associate (New Zealand) Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

The JPLC is the conference I look forward to each year. Great company, top notch presentations and fun networking and social events. I always leave with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for planning.  

Lucy Wood
Barton Willmore

The JPLC is simply the most effective and enjoyable way to keep up to date with the planning and environmental law that underpins my work.  

Stephanie Wray
Biocensus

One of the best conferences of the year. It continually broadens the understanding of planning, development and accompanying law in the UK

Robert Fourt
Gerald Eve

 

One of the best and thought provoking events on the Conference calendar

James Brierley
Gerald Eve

Don't get put off by seeing "law" in the conference title. This is the premiere CPD event for private and public sector planners as well as surveyors.

John Walker
CT Group, Former Director of Planning, Westminster City Council

I love this conference. The papers are always excellent. We work hard and we play hard and I love catching up with everyone from year to year.

Anne Harrison
DAC Beachcroft

There is no other event for planning and environmental professionals which provides such an excellent combination of content, contact and hospitality.

Richard Kimblin QC
No5 Chambers

Top quality 2-day conference with unrivalled networking.

Mike Kiely
Chair of the Board, Planning Officers Society
Download the 2023 brochure

Download the 2023 brochure

Find out more about the 2023 conference by downloading the brochure in PDF format for more detailed information about the event.

Download

Not sure this conference is the right fit for you?

Take a look through the website to get a flavour of what you can expect. If you are still not sure, please contact us at lucinda@jplc.org or call 07879 228775 and we'll be happy to discuss the event with you and answer any questions.