The London Society Podcast

Oxford Street is recognised around the world and is often described as the UK's high street. More than just one of London's most famous streets, it is a global destination whose success shapes perceptions of the capital and the country as a whole.

In this episode of Talk About London, Dave Hill, OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society are joined by Nabeel Khan, Chief Executive of the Oxford Street Development Corporation, to explore the bold vision for its future. They discuss why the Mayoral Development Corporation was created, the powers it has to accelerate delivery, how consensus is being built between businesses, local communities and government, and why accessibility, public realm improvements and long-term planning will be critical to creating an Oxford Street that is fit for the next generation.

Introduction to the Oxford Street Transformation Project – 00:00
What is a Mayoral Development Corporation? – 01:32
Why Oxford Street was chosen for transformation – 03:00
The powers and responsibilities of the MDC – 04:08
Geography and scope of the Oxford Street area – 05:34
Legal and statutory powers of the MDC – 06:19
Collaboration with Transport for London – 07:04
Acting at pace: Early wins and timelines – 10:19
Expected changes by October 2024 – 12:55
Design and safety considerations, including hostile vehicle mitigation – 16:21
Changing the role of Oxford Street: From retail to experience-led destination – 19:56
Design review, accessibility and creating a street for everyone – 22:57
Planning authority and governance – 28:26
Developing the local plan and long-term vision – 31:15
Section 106 contributions and community benefits – 34:57
Building consensus among stakeholders – 39:43
The importance of public toilets and clear communication – 44:30
Using the public estate for messaging and engagement – 45:34
Conclusion and future outlook – 48:10
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The latest episode in the London Explained series takes a look at the River Thames and asks if London is making the most of the waterway that gave it life - particularly the part of its north bank, where it flows past the Houses of Parliament and the Victoria Embankment. Could that section of the riverfront - and further east to Blackfriars and beyond - be made more attractive to Londoners and visitors alike, both in its own right and through its proximity to the nearby pleasures of the Strand? Although it's an annual gathering point for celebrations of the New Year fireworks and the Marathon, might it be improved such that more people are drawn to it all year round? And what about its potential as an environmental asset, including for generating sustainable heat?

Combining interviews, archive material and the sounds of the Embankment and the river itself, The London Society trustee and writer Dave Hill tells the story of the importance of the Thames to London's past, its present and its unfolding future. The podcast is produced by Andrew McGibbon of Curtains For Radio for The London Society. It was financially supported by the London Heritage Quarter business improvement district, with The London Society retaining full editorial control.
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What role do civic societies really play in shaping London? Are they powerful defenders of local communities, or are they unfairly blamed for blocking the homes and infrastructure the capital desperately needs?

In this episode of Talk About London, Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon are joined by architect and former RIBA President Ben Derbyshire to explore the history, purpose and future of London's civic societies. They unpack where these organisations came from, what influence they actually have in the planning system, and why there is so much misunderstanding about their role.

The conversation examines the balance between protecting local character and enabling the high-quality development London needs, challenges the perception that civic societies are simply "NIMBY" organisations, and discusses how they can become more representative of the communities they serve. The episode also explores the wider barriers to delivering housing—from planning and finance to public engagement—and considers how civic societies can become constructive partners in creating a better London.
Whether you're a resident, planner, architect, councillor or simply someone who cares about the future of the capital, this episode offers a thoughtful look at one of London's most important, but often overlooked, parts of civic life.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to civic societies and their role in London

01:12 - What is a civic society? Origins and early focus

02:40 - Historical context of civic activism and key figures like Octavia Hill

04:36 - Civic societies today: statutory powers and limitations

05:35 - The importance of civic influence versus statutory power

06:42 - Examples of civic influence and campaigns in London

07:56 - Challenges posed by statutory consultees and "NIMBY" labels

08:39 - Planning reform, streamlining, and civic engagement

09:56 - Campaigns: opposition in civic societies and their validity

11:18 - The positive role of civic societies in supporting public good and high-quality housing

12:17 - The importance of constructive civic participation and diversity

13:03 - Engaging new generations and diverse voices in planning

14:22 - The impact of demographic shifts on civic involvement and planning interest

15:52 - The undervalued contribution of civic societies in local planning debates

17:12 - The potential for civic societies to influence detailed urban policies

18:07 - Overcoming old stereotypes and encouraging younger, diverse memberships

19:23 - The need to improve genuine engagement over superficial consultation processes

20:03 - Young people's creativity and energy in urban activism

21:26 - The challenge of meaningful participation and constructive debate

22:50 - The disconnect between the housing crisis and public perception

23:43 - Alternative models for funding social housing, including bonds and public investment

25:20 - Recognizing the historical role of Section 106 in urban development

26:23 - The positive perception of young people's engagement when opportunities are available

27:19 - Defining "good growth" and the importance of housing as infrastructure

28:44 - The balance between local character and innovative urban design

29:22 - Examples of modern, context-sensitive architecture and design standards

31:23 - The valuable input civic societies provide in planning and development debates

32:00 - Encouraging wider public involvement in civic and planning activities

33:36 - The joy of activism and community engagement in urban renewal projects

34:04 - Closing thoughts: how to better involve local communities in shaping London
Resources & Links:
London Society
London.co.uk
Octavia Hill - Biography
London Forum of Amenities and Civic Societies
Victorian Society
Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
20th Century Society
Sadiq Khan's Good Growth Policy
Section 106 Agreements
Connect with Ben Derbyshire:
LinkedIn
Twitter

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London's local elections have reshaped the political map of the capital, bringing in new councillors, new administrations and new priorities. But what happens after the votes are counted?

In this episode of Talk About London, Dave Hill, OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society are joined by Karen Alcock, one of London's most experienced public affairs professionals, to explore the practical realities of governing the city after a major election.

From planning committees and housing delivery to political leadership, coalition-building and the challenge of bringing new councillors up to speed, Karen explains how local government actually works when the headlines have faded.

The conversation looks at why decision-making can slow after elections, what this means for housing and development, how City Hall is responding to growing pressures on the planning system, and what residents, businesses and developers should expect over the coming months.

Whether you're interested in politics, planning, housing or simply how London functions, this episode offers a clear and accessible guide to the challenges and opportunities facing the capital as its new leaders get down to work.

1:12 - Discussion on the scale of change across boroughs
1:32 - Karen's insights on minority control and coalitions
2:14 - Challenges faced by new councillors
3:12 - Importance of officers in council operations
4:35 - Timeframe for councils to settle and make decisions
5:18 - Financial and political decision-making processes
6:19 - Expected delays in council operations
7:17 - Discussion on estate renewal and local plans
9:00 - Impact of political changes on council operations
10:05 - Loss of political muscle memory
11:21 - Collaboration between new and old councillors
12:26 - Day-to-day life of new councillors
15:11 - Discussion on housing and development challenges
19:14 - Mayoral interventions in planning decisions
23:15 - Green Party's approach to development
28:10 - Concerns about leadership and management techniques
29:39 - Future challenges like AI and data centers
31:24 - Mayoral interventions and their impact
35:06 - Emergency measures and planning policy changes
37:01 - Closing remarks and optimism for new councillors

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The Mayor of London is one of the most important roles in the country - shaping how the city grows, lives and works. But is there another way to run London?
In this episode of Talk About London, Peter Murray joins Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon to argue that London’s future hinges on something often overlooked: the built environment.

With a housing crisis deepening and 600,000 people working across the sector, Peter sets out a more pragmatic, less political approach - one that brings together developers, communities and City Hall to unlock growth. From street votes and estate ballots to reducing development risk and learning from places like King’s Cross, he makes the case for a more collaborative, confident London.

If we want to build the homes and infrastructure the city needs, it starts with how we think about — and talk about — the places we shape every day.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Peter Murray's candidacy and his background in London's development
02:44 - Addressing London's housing shortage and affordability crisis
03:41 - Knowledge gaps among candidates regarding London's built environment
06:07 - The significance of the built environment sector in London's economy
07:28 - The potential for independent candidates to succeed in London politics
09:44 - Why politicians struggle to understand London's development challenges
10:10 - The legacy of Ken Livingstone and pragmatism in urban planning
13:28 - The importance of supporting small and local builders
15:08 - The role of community involvement and local engagement
16:33 - The importance of better communication and public trust in development
17:16 - How social media can support development advocacy
20:11 - The influence of political fragmentation and the potential for independent mayoral leadership
23:37 - The possibility of collaboration rather than confrontation with local authorities
24:32 - Reducing conflicts in development processes through dialogue
28:00 - The potential of consensus-building and cross-party collaboration
32:41 - Challenges of densifying suburban London and innovative solutions
33:11 - The role of street-level agreements in development approval
35:23 - How reducing risk for developers can boost London’s housing supply
36:52 - Transforming planning departments into enablers of development
37:19 - The importance of building a sense of London citizenship and unity
38:12 - Advocating for community-building campaigns using London’s assets
39:41 - The importance of promoting London’s identity through symbols like flags and initiatives
40:24 - Fostering a shared London identity to overcome divisions
41:20 - Combating hate and promoting inclusivity in London
42:46 - The role of civic society in shaping the city’s future



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