Building Towns from Scratch with James Scott of Urban and Civic

In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by James Scott, Group Director of Strategy and Planning at Urban&Civic plc. From Cold War airfields to thriving new communities, James shares his journey through law, development and the complex world of placemaking in the UK. He explains what it really means to build new places, with early investment, deep engagement and a commitment to long-term thinking. Expect sharp insight on policy, infrastructure, green space and why flexibility always beats prediction.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Flexibility matters more than prediction
In long-term development, adaptability is far more valuable than fixed forecasts.

Master developers are a different model
Urban&Civic does not build houses or just secure planning. They focus on infrastructure and placemaking, then partner with housebuilders.

You must invest early in placemaking
Significant investment in community infrastructure, green space and schools builds long-term value and trust.

Planning is only part of the issue
The UK grants 300,000 housing consents annually, but delivery is held back by economic conditions, policy and geography.

Homes England can work well
Despite criticism, James highlights how Homes England has provided vital infrastructure finance that supports large-scale delivery.

Regional differences matter
London and regional areas face very different barriers to development. A one-size-fits-all policy approach does not work.

Green space needs scale
Strategic green infrastructure is far more effective than fragmented pockets of space. Landscape-led planning is essential.

Build with communities, not just for them
Successful development depends on listening to future residents and adapting over time rather than imposing a fixed vision.


 BEST MOMENTS

“Flexibility is better than prophecy.”

“You’re not trying to say, at 15 years, improve that junction at this cost. That’s bonkers.”

“It’s not about living next to a park. It’s about living in a park.”

“Pattern books are written by people who don’t live on the site – they’re not the ones who have to live with it.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.urbanandcivic.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

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Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com