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Senior/Principal Urban Designer - Pegasus Group | East Anglia

Senior Urban Designer - Pegasus Group | West Midlands

Associate positions - Savills Urban Design Studio 



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Urban Design Group Events 2026

Start 2026 with the Urban Design Group - a warm welcome awaits

TDAG - Tree Success Stories 

11 February 14:00-16:00 - Online

See the Other Great Events section below for details.  

NPPF Consultation Workshops 

Session 1: Looking at Strategic Planning and Design Issues

12 February -12.30-1.30 online - free and open to all

Chaired by Paul Reynolds

Register >>>>

NPPF Consultation Workshops 

Session 2: Looking at Detailed Planning and Design Issues

24 February -12.00-1.30 online - free and open to all

Chaired by Paul Reynolds

Register >>>>

Grey Belt 

Diary date 26 February 5.30-7.30 pm in-person @ BPTW Greenwich 

BPTW offices, 40 Norman Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9QX -

10 minutes from London Bridge, also accessible by boat! 

This evening of short presentations, panel discussion and debate brings together a range of specialists to discuss their experience and views on how the recent introduction of the Grey Belt is impacting practice, from a local authority planner and private planning consultancy perspective, to that of a larger and smaller housebuilder.

Chair: Scott Adams, Partner of Urban Design at BPTW and member of the UDG Executive Committee,

Matthew Woodhead, Director at DHA Planning;

Amelia Cherry, Land & Partnerships Director at Stonebond; and

Julian Goodban, Regional Planning Director at Bellway Homes.

Each panellist will share a brief introduction and overview of the Grey Belt changes. This will then be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

Arrival from 17:30 for 18:00 start.

The event is kindly hosted by BPTW

Register >>>>  UDG members £5, General admission £10 + Eventbrite fee 

 

Social - Oxford

3 March - 6pm-8pm - at the Oxford Wine cellar, High Street Oxford.

We welcome anyone with an interest in urban design!

Hosted by Hannah Smart 



Register >>>>

Social - Rochester - Kent

4 March - 5pm-- at The Coopers Arms, Rochester (nr Rochester Castle)

We welcome anyone with an interest in urban design!

Hosted by Scott Adams



Register >>>>

Social - Sheffield

 March - Details soon 

FutureBuild 2026 

This has been moved to 12-15 May 

Foundation Certificate in Urban Design  - Newcastle

Web: https://urbandesignworks.co.uk/

Next course 30 June/ 3 July 2026 - 3 days



Foundation Certificate in Urban Design endorsed by the Urban Design Group

News and Research

Built Environment 

 

Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance: consultation document - GOV.UK >>>>

The draft guidance combines the 2021 National Design Guide, the National Model Design Code Parts 1 and 2, and Design process and tools planning practice guidance, into a single document.

It is not clear whether there has been any coordination between the MHCLG and the Department for Transport regarding the very much overdue revision to Manual for Streets.

Government Press release: New design guidance to raise the bar for new build developments >>>>

View the draft Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance.



Press comment…..

Green spaces should be the norm for all new housing developments in England, guidelines say The Guardian

 

Labour to ditch period-style houses for ones that reflect modern life – The Times

“The government’s guidance will not allow ‘cookie-cutter neighbourhoods’ and prioritise walkable amenities, green space and room to work from home. “

It is not clear that the heading is sustained by the article, or the consultation document.



Separately the Telegraph commented on the Government making available number plate date to enable the easier creation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

Labour opens door to ‘Stalinist’ 15-minute cities across Britain - Telegraph

"The idea will see a person being able to access amenities within a quarter of an hour, but could result in traffic restrictions for drivers"

It is unclear how anyone could claim 15-minute cities were Stalinist. 



Infrastructure and accessibility implications of implementing x-minute city policies in low-density contexts - Cities

The study develops a model to test accessibility and usage in x-minute cities, applying the model to Melbourne, focusing on 20-minute neighbourhoods (a 10-minute walk each way to daily needs). The analysis looks at people living within 10-minute walking catchments of mixed-use centres (Activity centres (ACs the abbreviation used in the paper)).  



The Research Questions were:

Q1 What additional destinations would be required to adapt the existing activity centres to implement an x-minute city policy?

Q2 How would the implementation of an x-minute city affect residents' accessibility to destinations by foot and by bicycle?

Q3 In a low-density environment, what level of destination underutilisation would be likely if an x-minute city were broadly implemented, without increases to population densities around existing activity centres?



14 everyday destinations were assessed:

• Retail, hospitality and local services:. supermarkets, convenience store, restaurant or café, pharmacy, post office;
• Health: GP, Maternal and child health centre, dentist;  
• Openspace: Park
• Education and Community: Childcare, Kindergarten, primary school, community centre or library.
• Public transport: bus, train or tram

With the exception of public transport, childcare, and to a lesser degree, parks,  the destinations are currently not accessible for the majority of people within an 800m walking distance (or 400m in the case of convenience stores etc)   Only 0.5 percent of people live within the required walking distance of all 14 destination types.



The model identified where new destinations would be needed so that at least 80% of residents could walk to each destination within 10 minutes.  Cycling was also included, using a 10-minute one-way cycle distance.

Results show:

• Strong accessibility gains in inner urban areas
• Major improvements in outer, low-density areas when cycling is supported

However, low population density creates practical and economic challenges for service provision and use.  “The scale of the additional destinations required to achieve x-minute cities in a low-density context is vast.”

The study concludes that x-minute city policies work best when combined with:

• Safe cycling infrastructure
• Carefully planned urban densification

The findings are relevant to low-density cities worldwide considering x-minute neighbourhood policies.

The paper uses dwellings per hectare as the measure of density, rather than people per hectare.



Inspector dismisses Ringmer housing development appeal owing to unsustainable location >>>>



Derby Council introduces Digital twin model to revolutionise urban planning >>>>

Developers will have to provide a 3D model of their project, which will then be added to the virtual model to check its impact. The council has also introduced a design optimisation service.



Geology and Local Distinctiveness : London Geology Tours >>>>

The website “London Pavement Geology” has been developed by Ruth Siddall, and extends across the UK and covers building stones as well as paving material.



Historic England and the British Geological Survey have collaborated in a strategic stone study, cataloguing building stones, with a detailed guide for each county.   They are essential reading for anyone interested in local distinctiveness.   >>>>



 

Schemes

Rethinking and comprehensive planning of the floating city concept - Communications Earth & Environment

The paper considers wave impact, technology, energy balance and environmental impact, water demand.

Full paper



New images reveal £128m vision to transform 'bleak' corner of Newcastle city centre >>>>



 

History

Italy's 'Tutankhamun's tomb': Archaeologists hail discovery of sole Vitruvius basilica >>>>

 

Archaeologists reveal a medieval super ship: "It's the World’s largest cog" >>>>

These ships carried much of trade through the Baltic, and the north sea during the middle ages, and are responsible for the exchange of culture and architectural styles between the many coastal towns and cities, including those of the Hanseatic League.  

 

Energy, Climate Change

Reliability and Transparency of Climate Risk Assessment Tools >>>>

Both people and Governments use climate risk projections (e.g. flood risk) to make major decisions about housing, finance, and public funding.  These projections often rely on limited data and are hard to validate, raising concerns about their reliability.  Although non-commercial researchers are expected to lead on openness, practice falls far short. Only 4% of highly cited climate risk studies fully share their data and code.

This paper argues for transparency and reusability allow others to inspect assumptions, reuse data and tools, and apply consistent evaluation standards. It will require major investment, cross-sector collaboration, and careful attention to data rights, equity, and trade-offs.  The overall aim should be to improve transparency so climate science can better support timely, evidence-based, and fair climate risk decision-making.

Politics, Philosophy, Economics

The paradox of smart cities: technological advancements and the disconnection from social participation - Telematics and Informatics

Pas research has found that smart city projects often prioritise technical performance and efficiency, while overlooking the social, political, and human realities of how cities actually work. Community empowerment and local needs are frequently sidelined.  Smart city tools can worsen inequality by excluding people who lack digital access or skills.  Many smart city initiatives are designed and controlled by governments or experts, treating citizens as users rather than partners. Public participation is often symbolic rather than meaningful.

Bureaucratic silos, poor coordination, outdated laws, and limited political commitment reduce the ability of smart technologies to improve governance in practice.



This study makes an assessment of participation in smart cities using national survey data of Chinese cities. It finds that higher smart city development is associated with:

• Greater trust in government
• Higher perceptions of fairness and protection

But, it is also linked to lower civic participation, particularly among younger people. Technology may improve service delivery while reducing community engagement, possibly due to:

• Digital substitution of participation
• Increased centralisation of governance

 

Smart cities and the challenge of lived experience: Interpreting citizen-sensed data for inclusive urban futures – a study of a street in Bristol within a low traffic neighbourhood- Journal of Smart Cities and Society

The scheme involved closing a 50 metre length section of Cotham Hill, in Bristol, introducing on-street seating bays, planters.  View the scheme on Google Street View  The scheme has the effect of blocking through-traffic, and enabling pedestrians to visit the post office, pharmacy, restaurants, cafés, etc in a traffic free environment.    It was introduced on a temporary basis in April 2021, and made permanent in July 2023. 



In this project Citizen’s were given a “Smart Citizen Kit”  to enable them to feed back their experiences and views.



The researchers found that residents experience the street very differently, some liked the village-like atmosphere created by cafés, bars and social activity. Others have found it ugly, messy, poorly designed, and feel it has lost any clear sense of place.    Supporters say it has helped to build community and social life, whereas others feel the area is no longer “for them”, especially older residents who feel outnumbered by students and younger nightlife user.  Some residents feel safer and enjoy walking freely. Others—particularly elderly people, disabled residents, and families—feel unsafe due to fast cyclists and e-scooters.



The researchers stress the importance of understanding lived experience, not finding simple answers; of listening to diverse, sometimes conflicting experiences rather than relying only on technical data.   Smart urban governance needs dialogue, not just sensors. Effective decision-making requires combining data with community discussion, shared interpretation, and ongoing engagement to address fairness, inclusion, and local needs.



Cities Outlook 2026 - published by the Centre for Cities  >>>>

• Disposable income in 11 towns and cities has risen twice as fast as rest of UK The Guardian
• Warrington among UK leaders for growth in living standards >>>>
• South West Mayor reacts to Cities Outlook 2026 analysis >>>>

 

Devolution – an appeal for greater attention to be paid to coastal areas >>>>



Governance of urban green spaces as nature-based solutions in Korea and Germany - npj Urban Sustainability

This paper explores the different priorities that exist in the Governance of urban green spaces: government agencies focusing on compliance with regulations and use of financial resources, non-governmental organisations focusing on participation and equity, while others stress evidence and long-term vision.

 

Natural Environment

Half the world’s 100 largest cities are in high water stress areas, analysis finds >>>>

View the Water Stress Atlas, published by Watershed >>>>



From scorpions to peacocks: the species thriving in London’s hidden microclimates >>>>

Among the species mentioned are: Tetratrichobothrius flavicaudis at Sheerness docks, Culex pipiens f. molestus in the London Underground, Trachemys scripta elegans in urban ponds and canals.

 

Movement

Why Bus Travel Matters for Tourism in Liverpool City Region’s Next Chapter >>>>

 

The status and politics of bicycling in the cities of low- and middle-income countries - Nature Cities

According to this research, bicycling in these countries is undertaken mainly by low-income adult men, with women and children cycling mainly within local neighbourhoods.   The form of urban growth in urban areas tends to favour car use, with cyclists facing multi lane arterial roads.   Concerns over safety are the main concern that discourages more people from cycling. Low income cyclists have limited political influence. 

 

Climate-friendly mobility: A possibility for nurses? - Journal of Urban Mobility

Transport policy is often looked at in aggregate terms – thousands of movements a day down particular road corridors, for example.  But these trips are all about the decisions made by individuals, and its fairly obvious that one needs to understand their motives and challenges.  This study looks at the travel decisions made by as few as 28 nurses in Oslo and their options for using climate-friendly modes.  

 

Cycling towards equity: Financial incentives as a strategy for mobility justice - Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Financial incentives can encourage cycling, but the question follows who benefits, and who is excluded.  This study in Brazil shows that financial incentives can build cycling communities and support wider policies on mobility and on public health.



 

Humans, Health, Society

London gentrification forcing families out, study says BBC   Source

A survey conducted by UCL for the Trust for London, finds that traditional London migration patterns are weakening -  The “London escalator” effect—where families move out for better housing—is declining, likely due to the housing crisis making moves harder.



Gentrification is intensifying housing pressure locally: gentrified neighbourhoods are experiencing these pressures more strongly and more quickly.  Some areas have changed gradually, while others have undergone rapid, redevelopment-driven transformation since around 2012. New high-resolution data shows that gentrification follows different paths in different places, underlining the need for targeted responses rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.



Housing affordability is central to the issue.  The housing crisis is driving poverty, homelessness, and economic strain, while reshaping who can afford to live in many parts of London.  Gentrification is pushing out families and key workers, raising concerns that some neighbourhoods may become accessible only to the wealthy.

More Great Events

20s Plenty

Delivering 20 – Making 20mph work >>>>

Available to view online - shows conclusive benefits of the 20mph urban speed limit in Wales, compared with the situation in England

 

Active Travel Cafe on Zoom every Tuesday, 5:00-6:15 pm

Details and Tickets

CPRE London 

Foundation Certificate in Urban Design 

Web: https://urbandesignworks.co.uk/

Next course June/July 2026 - 3 days

 

Historic Towns and Villages Forum

Web https://www.htvf.org/events

Kent Design 

Programme >>>>

Urban Design Foundation Course  >>>>

5-part course taking place January - February 2026. Three online webinars, a study tour and in-person, full-day urban design skills workshop

 

Medieval Settlement Research Group 

Next conference - late spring 2026 - University of Lincoln - Community Archaeology 

>>>>

 

The Academy of Urbanism

Events programme >>>>

28 Jan - Online

The Urbanism Hour: Designing with Young People – Lessons from Camden

 

FutureBuild

12-15 May - postponed from March

 

Living Streets

Walk to School Week - 18-22 May 2026  

 

Save Britain's Heritage

Events programme >>>>

3 Feb - Online 

What we are taking on in 2026

 

Trees and Design Action Group

Events programme >>>>



Trees: success stories from around the United Kingdom’.

11^th February 2026 (2-4pm GMT)  >>>>

Chair:  Tony Kirkham, author, tree expert, TDAG Patron and former Head of the Arboretum, and Horticultural Services at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

A project that has stood the test of time

Jane Findlay, Founder, Fira and Past-President of the Landscape Institute

The importance of social and cultural values for resilient treescapes

Rachel Bryan, Green and Healthy City Project Officer, City of Portsmouth

Achieving tree success in complex, dense urban environments

Sharon Durdant-Hollamby, Director, Sharon Hosegood Associates

Regeneration led by landscape – Sighthill, Glasgow

Rory Wilson and Kirstin Taylor, Directors, LDA Design



11^th March 2-4pm GMT- online

Designing with trees – Part 1: above ground ambitions



 

TPM Annual Transport Practitioners Meeting Call for Papers

People from the urban design and wider built environment committee are invited to submit proposals: 

1. Full paper and presentation - 20 minute slot at TPM for speakers to present the paper with Powerpoint slides
2. Pecha Kucha - a fast-paced way to present a paper in a fun way. Speakers have to present 20 slides spending 20 seconds per slide 
3. Poster - Applicants may choose to capture their work into a poster which can be displayed prominently at the conference

To submit please view the website  the deadline says 16 January, but proposals are being received well into February.

Urban Design Learning

Events programme >>>>

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