S02 E17 We can do better, today (feat. Darren Rodwell)

Our guest for this episode is Darren Rodwell, a man who needs no introduction, who you’ll recognise as the former leader of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council.Darren has a new book called ‘Building Communities One Brick and One Heart at a Time’, which is out now. I was most interested to talk with Darren about creating momentum in a planning system that is structurally indifferent to its outcome and how Darren was able to change the future for Londonders in his borough by building community support and forward momentum for the ambitious regeneration of Barking.The conversation again begs the question of whether we should have a planning system that is otherwise content to be as inert as dry clay. But more to the point, in the system that we do have, Darren shows how leadership, vision, and an incredible amount of effort can still get good things done.We’ll be back in September with our analysis of the draft London Plan and the changes it will need if it is going to succeed in its most urgent priority: delivering for Londoners.If you like today’s episode, share it with your fellow Planimals and please do follow the show! And remember, we’re ultimately here for you. Whenever you have a complex project that needs excellent planners on the team, please get in touch.Be sure to follow for new episodes fortnightly. Make Planning Make Sense is hosted by Aaron Zimmerman MRTPI, presented by Centro Planning Consultancy and recorded in beautiful London, England.