Hashi Mohamed

How can the planning system adapt so we can build new homes without alienating voters? Barrister and author Hashi Mohamed investigates, focussing on the system in England. The government has pledged to build 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s to ease the country’s housing crisis and increase home ownership. But wide-ranging planning reforms to make it easier to achieve were shelved following the Conservatives’ shock defeat in the Chesham and Amersham by-election last year. So is it possible to create a politically acceptable planning system in this country? Deadlock between local communities and big developers is commonplace, with planning policies taking years to realise through a local government system that lacks vital resources and expertise. And what has to change for enough new homes to be built? Hashi Mohamed asks how the planning system, and the way we live and build, needs to adapt. Producer: Caroline Bayley Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele and Jacqui Johnson Sound: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Hugh Levinson

Hashi Mohamed, a former child refugee and successful barrister, shares his extraordinary journey in this insightful discussion with BBC's Razia Iqbal. They tackle the nuances of social mobility, exploring the personal and systemic challenges faced by individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. Hashi reflects on the title of his book, 'People Like Us', addressing issues of identity, belonging, and alienation. The conversation also delves into the significance of cultural capital and the role of advocacy in shaping opportunities for success in modern Britain.