The London Society Podcast
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Podcast Overview
<p>The London Society is for all those who love London. Our aim is to translate and bring clarity to the complex issues that impact on our ‘built environment’ and ultimately the people who live and work in London.</p><br><p>Founded in 1912 by a group of influential Londoners concerned about the lack of vision for the future of the capital, for more than 100 years it has brought people together to debate key issues about the future of London.</p><br><p>London needs an independent forum that can act independently to support people in discovering and discussing important matters that face the city. The London Society has been and remains that place. Be part of the revival and listen to the debate.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/6/2022
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Recent Episodes
July 14, 2026
Talk About London | Inside the plans to transform Oxford Street
<p><strong>Oxford Street</strong> 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.</p><br><p>In this episode of Talk About London, <strong>Dave Hill, </strong><a href="https://www.onlondon.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>OnLondon</strong></a> and <strong>Leanne Tritton, </strong><a href="www.londonsociety.org.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The London Society</strong></a> are joined by <strong>Nabeel Khan</strong>, Chief Executive of the <a href="https://www.oxfordstreetdc.org.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oxford Street Development Corporation</a>, 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.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Introduction to the Oxford Street Transformation Project – 00:00</p><p>What is a Mayoral Development Corporation? – 01:32</p><p>Why Oxford Street was chosen for transformation – 03:00</p><p>The powers and responsibilities of the MDC – 04:08</p><p>Geography and scope of the Oxford Street area – 05:34</p><p>Legal and statutory powers of the MDC – 06:19</p><p>Collaboration with Transport for London – 07:04</p><p>Acting at pace: Early wins and timelines – 10:19</p><p>Expected changes by October 2024 – 12:55</p><p>Design and safety considerations, including hostile vehicle mitigation – 16:21</p><p>Changing the role of Oxford Street: From retail to experience-led destination – 19:56</p><p>Design review, accessibility and creating a street for everyone – 22:57</p><p>Planning authority and governance – 28:26</p><p>Developing the local plan and long-term vision – 31:15</p><p>Section 106 contributions and community benefits – 34:57</p><p>Building consensus among stakeholders – 39:43</p><p>The importance of public toilets and clear communication – 44:30</p><p>Using the public estate for messaging and engagement – 45:34</p><p>Conclusion and future outlook – 48:10</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
July 10, 2026
London Explained | Making More Of The Thames
<p>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?</p><p> </p><p>Combining interviews, archive material and the sounds of the Embankment and the river itself, <a href="www.londonsociety.org.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The London Society</a> trustee and writer <a href="https://www.onlondon.co.uk/author/onlondon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dave Hill </a>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 <a href="https://www.curtainsforradio.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Curtains For Radio</a> for The London Society. It was financially supported by the <a href="https://london-hq.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">London Heritage Quarter </a>business improvement district, with The London Society retaining full editorial control.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
June 26, 2026
Talk About London | Civic Societies are in the news – what power do they have?
<p>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?</p><br><p>In this episode of Talk About London, Leanne Tritton, <a href="www.londonsociety.org.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The London Society</a> and Dave Hill, <a href="www.onlondon.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">OnLondon</a> are joined by architect and former RIBA President <a href="uk.linkedin.com/in/ben-derbyshire-ppriba-frsa-honaia-1b689619" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ben Derbyshire</a> 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.</p><br><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><br><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 - Introduction to civic societies and their role in London</p><br><p>01:12 - What is a civic society? Origins and early focus</p><br><p>02:40 - Historical context of civic activism and key figures like Octavia Hill</p><br><p>04:36 - Civic societies today: statutory powers and limitations</p><br><p>05:35 - The importance of civic influence versus statutory power</p><br><p>06:42 - Examples of civic influence and campaigns in London</p><br><p>07:56 - Challenges posed by statutory consultees and "NIMBY" labels</p><br><p>08:39 - Planning reform, streamlining, and civic engagement</p><br><p>09:56 - Campaigns: opposition in civic societies and their validity</p><br><p>11:18 - The positive role of civic societies in supporting public good and high-quality housing</p><br><p>12:17 - The importance of constructive civic participation and diversity</p><br><p>13:03 - Engaging new generations and diverse voices in planning</p><br><p>14:22 - The impact of demographic shifts on civic involvement and planning interest</p><br><p>15:52 - The undervalued contribution of civic societies in local planning debates</p><br><p>17:12 - The potential for civic societies to influence detailed urban policies</p><br><p>18:07 - Overcoming old stereotypes and encouraging younger, diverse memberships</p><br><p>19:23 - The need to improve genuine engagement over superficial consultation processes</p><br><p>20:03 - Young people's creativity and energy in urban activism</p><br><p>21:26 - The challenge of meaningful participation and constructive debate</p><br><p>22:50 - The disconnect between the housing crisis and public perception</p><br><p>23:43 - Alternative models for funding social housing, including bonds and public investment</p><br><p>25:20 - Recognizing the historical role of Section 106 in urban development</p><br><p>26:23 - The positive perception of young people's engagement when opportunities are available</p><br><p>27:19 - Defining "good growth" and the importance of housing as infrastructure</p><br><p>28:44 - The balance between local character and innovative urban design</p><br><p>29:22 - Examples of modern, context-sensitive architecture and design standards</p><br><p>31:23 - The valuable input civic societies provide in planning and development debates</p><br><p>32:00 - Encouraging wider public involvement in civic and planning activities</p><br><p>33:36 - The joy of activism and community engagement in urban renewal projects</p><br><p>34:04 - Closing thoughts: how to better involve local communities in shaping London</p><p>Resources & Links:</p><ul><li><a href="https://londonsociety.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">London Society</a></li><li><a href="https://london.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">London.co.uk</a></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octavia_Hill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Octavia Hill - Biography</a></li><li><a href="https://londonforum.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">London Forum of Amenities and Civic Societies</a></li><li><a href="https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Victorian Society</a></li><li><a href="https://spab.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)</a></li><li><a href="https://c20society.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20th Century Society</a></li><li><a href="https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/housing-and-land/housing/vision" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sadiq Khan's Good Growth Policy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.local.gov.uk/about/our-approach/planning-and-building-standards/vital-roles/section-106-agreements" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Section 106 Agreements</a></li></ul><p>Connect with Ben Derbyshire:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-derbyshire/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/Ben_Derbyshire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li></ul><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
34 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is The London Society Podcast?
<p>The London Society is for all those who love London. Our aim is to translate and bring clarity to the complex issues that impact on our ‘built environment’ and ultimately the people who live and work in London.</p><br><p>Founded in 1912 by a group of influential Londoners concerned about the lack of vision for the future of the capital, for more than 100 years it has brought people together to debate key issues about the future of London.</p><br><p>London needs an independent forum that can act independently to support people in discovering and discussing important matters that face the city. The London Society has been and remains that place. Be part of the revival and listen to the debate.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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