A pragmatic president The RTPI president says he is satisfied that the institute was effective in making changes to the NPPF, and the focus is now on supporting councils in straitened times.

History shapers Most conservation experts agree that the new national planning policy retains robust measures needed to protect England's heritage. But the policy puts pressure on councils to do the detail - and rapidly. Susanna Millar reports.

Then & now 40 years on from the first issue of Planning, Graeme Bell looks back at how the role and day-to-day experience of the planner has changed.

Building without blocks The Berkeley boss welcomes the new national planning policy regime but insists it will only work as intended if attitudes change and the appeals system is consistent, quick and properly enforced.

Planning: the story so far As part of Planning's 40th birthday celebrations Bryan Johnston looks back at how the magazine got off the ground, its coverage of key events and developments and its continuing role in keeping the planning community informed.

How We Did It - Creating a city centre public space It may have been nine years in the making, but Bradford's much-vaunted new water feature and public square has finally been completed.