Whose Place Is It Anyway? Cornerstone hosts women’s role in placemaking event
24 Feb 2026
Planning & environment, Public law & judicial review
Last night, Cornerstone Barristers brought together planning experts to explore why women’s perspectives remain overlooked in placemaking, and what practical and policy changes are needed to ensure they are embedded in future decision-making.
Chaired by Dr Lois Lane, we were joined by an incredible panel of women working in planning, politics, and the private sector to create a safer and more inclusive places for women and girls.
Thanks to Anna Sabine MP, Susannah Walker (Founder, In Her Place), and Francesca Sidoli (Deputy Head of UK and European Real Estate and Infrastructure, CT Group), and to all our attendees for a fascinating discussion on:
- The importance of considering gender in planning policy at the plan-making as well as the decision-taking stage.
- Why perceived safety matters too and how a perceived lack of safety can exclude women from public spaces.
- The importance of long-term stewardship of public spaces for safety and inclusivity and how this can be secured through section 106 agreements and CIL ring-fencing.
- Why transport planning needs to respond to the realities of women’s lived experience and their more complex daily journeys.
- Why we all need to read the new draft Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance!
