Too many schemes in Oxford lose time, momentum and money because key planning, ecology and heritage issues are identified too late.

On Tuesday 28 April 2026, we’re bringing together specialists with real Oxford project experience to give architects a practical view of why applications stall, what commonly goes wrong, and how to improve the chances of smooth progression through planning.

📍 The King’s Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES (Hinksey Room)

8:30am – Arrival and networking - tea, coffee and breakfast foods provided

9:00am – CPD commences

11:35am - CPD Ends.

This session is designed specifically for Architects working in and around Oxford who want true insight into the real issues affecting scheme progression.

What you’ll learn

• Planning risk in Oxford – common reasons applications are delayed, refused, or require redesign

• Typical issues in architect submissions and what can be done differently to make the process smoother

• Biodiversity Net Gain in constrained urban sites where tight red-line boundaries create real design challenges

• Urban Greening Factor requirements and what they mean in practice

• Protected and priority species, mitigation strategies, and programme impacts

• Aligning ecological evidence with heritage and design considerations

• Real Oxford case studies highlighting common pitfalls and successful delivery approaches

Speakers

Andrew Murdoch – Development Management Manager, Oxford City Council

Providing the council perspective on why schemes stall, common planning risks in Oxford, and what architects can do differently to improve outcomes.

Clare Golden – Heritage & Specialist Services Team Leader, Oxford City Council (tbc)

Bringing additional insight into heritage and specialist considerations that influence planning outcomes in Oxford.

Laura Grant – Ecology by Design

An ecological consultant working across the UK on biodiversity surveys, protected species and ecological strategy. Laura will focus on how ecology interacts with planning and design, and how early alignment can avoid delay and redesign.

Jon Westerman & Hannah Wiseman – Edgars

Sharing a planning strategy perspective within Oxford, including why schemes stall and practical case studies where projects have successfully progressed through planning.

Why attend?

This session brings together planning consultants, ecologists, and the council in one room, giving you a rare, joined-up understanding of how your schemes are structured, challenged, and ultimately judged. The information that will be shared at this CPD is needed by every Oxford Architect.

Along with the opportunity to network with some powerful experts, creating professional connections. Don’t miss out.

Places are limited.

If you work on Oxford projects and want clearer, earlier insight into the issues that really matter, this session will be well worth your time.

Register to reserve your seat above.