So much planning chat on the airwaves. Carol Vorderman yesterday, Nick Ferrari earlier, Steve Reid on BBC WatO (the answer is brownfield + greybelt) and now coming up on Tom Swarbreck (LBC).

Well said Zack Simons re mandatory targets being about messaging. I think equally important is messaging that: A) fundamental to planning is balancing need with wider factors; and B) the Gov't can and will give guidance on how to strike the balance, e.g. on need v Green Belt.

Need to tread carefully if both changing the standard method for calculating need and policy re how LPAs deal with need as part of plan-making / deciding the housing requirement. Last time the SM was branded a mutant algorithm! Careful explanation 🙏 thetimes.com/uk/politics/ar…

An adjustment to the standard method will require very careful explanation if made alongside a change to policy in respect of how it is applied. Also, need to be clear on: A) its use for the purposes of local plan-making; versus B) its use where the local plan is out-of-date.