The Exchange #25 Planning in Practice
On Monday 16th November 2026, Neighbourhood Toolbox will host The Exchange at the Westway Workspace, Frome.
We’ll begin with Diana Miller, Planning and Highways Solicitor and Co-Founder of Westway Workspace. Drawing on her experience, Diana will explore recent updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), their implications for local projects, and her reflections on the growing role of AI in planning.
Following a short break, David Sinclair and Wilf Meynell of Studio Bark will join us online to introduce their new AI-powered Planning Appeal Intelligence (PAI) tool. Designed specifically for architects and planning consultants, PAI streamlines the preparation of planning statements, appeal arguments and heritage assessments.
We’ll then hear from Tom Bennett of Studio Bark, who will give a live demonstration of SmallCarbon. The tool helps practices simplify whole-life carbon analysis, support planning submissions with robust carbon data, and clearly communicate carbon metrics to clients and stakeholders.
After lunch, provided by Neighbourhood Toolbox, we’ll reconvene with Owen King, Planning and Development Project Officer at Frome Town Council. Owen will share insights into his role, the key planning issues facing Frome and the priorities shaping its future development.
Agenda:
9.45–10.00 | Arrivals, tea & coffee
10.00–10.15 | Introductions and NTB updates
10.15–11.15 | Diana Miller – National and local planning context
11.15–11.30 | Tea break
11.30–12.30 | Studio Bark and David Sinclair – PAI and SmallCarbon tools
12.30–13.30 | Lunch and Discussion
13.30 | Owen King – Priorities in Frome
14.30 | Close and thanks