School of Geography and Planning to Host Prestigious International Conference

The School of Geography and Planning will host the 19th annual International Academic Association on Planning, Law, and Property Rights (PLPR) Conference in 2025.

Taking place from 3–7 March, the event will bring together around 200 participants from 44 countries, fostering international collaboration on critical issues at the intersection of planning, law, and property rights.

The conference will feature a dynamic programme of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and special sessions addressing some of the most pressing challenges in urban development, land use, and governance. Attendees will engage with cutting-edge research across topics such as land valuation, affordable housing, climate adaptation, and urban densification.

The keynote speakers are Simon Gilbert, Head of Planning at Cardiff Council, and Professor Antonia Layard from the University of Oxford.

During his keynote speech City Development: Reflections from Cardiff’s Head of Planning Simon Gilbert will offer insights into Cardiff’s urban transformation, exploring achievements, challenges, and future aspirations within the broader context of planning in Wales and the UK.

Professor Layard will present For Public Space, where she will examine the legal and geographical significance of public spaces, discussing how they contribute to democratic participation, social inclusion, and economic sustainability.

A distinguished panel of experts, including representatives from the Welsh Government, housing associations, and industry bodies, will discuss the challenges and opportunities for delivering affordable housing in Wales. This session will explore innovative solutions to support sustainable and inclusive housing development.

PhD students at any stage of their research will have the opportunity to participate in a dedicated workshop designed to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and academic development. Participants will receive mentorship from experienced researchers, refine their research questions, and build connections within the PLPR community.

Conference participants will also have the chance to explore Cardiff’s urban landscape through guided tours. Options include:

• City Centre Development: Examining Cardiff’s transformation into a major retail hub.
• Cardiff Bay Regeneration: Tracing the Bay’s evolution from industrial port to cultural and political centre.
• City of Arcades: Discovering the historic shopping arcades that define Cardiff’s architectural heritage.
• Guided Cycle Tour: Exploring the city’s key landmarks on two wheels.

From its rich history as a major coal export port to its current role as the centre of devolution in Wales, hosting both the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and the Welsh Government, Cardiff's fascinating local context provides a wealth of case studies for the PLPR researchers, according to Dr Sina Shahab, Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University and Chair of the conference organising committee.

As a leading centre for urban and regional planning research, the School is proud to host PLPR 2025, providing a platform for critical discussions that will shape the future of planning and property rights globally.

For more details, visit the conference website.