In this latest episode of Planning After Dark, the PAD Pod Girls are reunited following a busy few weeks across the planning, housing and regeneration world.

Fresh from UKREiiF, Women of Influence celebrations, housing conferences and strategic planning events, Jacqui Sadek, Alex Notay and Catriona Riddell discuss the mood across the sector and ask whether the industry is finally seeing reasons for optimism despite ongoing economic and political uncertainty.

The conversation explores the latest developments in planning reform, devolution, local government re-organisation and the future of New Towns, alongside a frank discussion about viability challenges, resourcing pressures and the capacity of local authorities to deliver growth.

The team also reflect on the changing role of mayors, the importance of strong place leadership, lessons from successful councils, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools available to planners, politicians and place-makers alike.

Along the way, there are reflections on UKREiiF, praise for local government leaders driving change, congratulations for industry award winners, and updates on some of the most exciting initiatives currently taking place across housing, planning and regeneration.

As always, it is part planning masterclass, part therapy session and entirely unfiltered.

Get in touch! Message us at ask@planningafterdark.co.uk

Planning After Dark is the bold and insightful podcast where three powerhouse women in planning and development - Alex Notay, Catriona Riddell, and Jackie Sadek - shine a light on the industry’s biggest challenges, trends, and, yes, even a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip.

From navigating the complexities of development to debating the future of our cities, Planning After Dark is the no-holds-barred discussion you won’t want to miss.

Powered by Cratus Group, new episodes drop monthly on all major streaming platforms.

Recorded live from UKREiiF 2026 in front of a packed audience, the PAD Pod team takes on the big questions facing planning, housing and development right now.

With special guests Paul Clark and Gavin Winbanks joining Alex Notay and Jackie Sadik (while Catriona Riddell battles serious FOMO from afar), this special live episode explores what happens when political turbulence collides with ambitious growth agendas.

From delivery versus policy, viability challenges and devolution, to place-based investment, local government reform and whether we’re celebrating success enough, the panel asks what actually needs to happen to turn planning permissions into places.

Plus: UKREiiF survival tips, debates about mayoral power, the case for stronger local leadership, and why maybe (just maybe) optimism matters more than ever.

Featuring audience contributions from across the sector, including discussions on housing delivery, investment, data, local authority leadership and what the industry should really be asking government for next.

Recorded live at UKREiiF 2026. Contains strong opinions, occasional woo-woo, and absolutely no ABBA.

Get in touch! Message us at ask@planningafterdark.co.uk

Planning After Dark is the bold and insightful podcast where three powerhouse women in planning and development - Alex Notay, Catriona Riddell, and Jackie Sadek - shine a light on the industry’s biggest challenges, trends, and, yes, even a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip.

From navigating the complexities of development to debating the future of our cities, Planning After Dark is the no-holds-barred discussion you won’t want to miss.

Powered by Cratus Group, new episodes drop monthly on all major streaming platforms.

In this special episode of Planning After Dark, Jackie, Alex and Catriona are joined by Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz for a wide-ranging, moving and very PAD Pod conversation about leadership, legacy and local government.

Rokhsana reflects on her eight years as Mayor, from stepping into Newham’s executive mayoral model and challenging old political cultures, to putting people at the heart of inclusive growth, Olympic legacy, community wealth building and the regeneration of places like Alice Billings House. There’s serious talk on housing, homelessness, renters’ rights, trust in politics, London’s looming local elections and why lived experience matters in public policy.

There’s also plenty of classic PAD chaos: fashion watch, If Mayors Ruled the World, Star Wars, House of Cards, ABBA, Sade, Michael Jackson scrapbooks and one very strong motherly mantra: “You don’t need permission to be a leader, just be one.”

Candid, hopeful and full of heart, it’s a conversation about cracking codes, rebuilding trust and what happens when women lead from the front.

Get in touch! Message us at ask@planningafterdark.co.uk

Planning After Dark is the bold and insightful podcast where three powerhouse women in planning and development - Alex Notay, Catriona Riddell, and Jackie Sadek - shine a light on the industry’s biggest challenges, trends, and, yes, even a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip.

From navigating the complexities of development to debating the future of our cities, Planning After Dark is the no-holds-barred discussion you won’t want to miss.

Powered by Cratus Group, new episodes drop monthly on all major streaming platforms.