On 30 September 2026, professionals from across transport planning, highways, urban design and landscape architecture are invited to explore how vision-led planning can help create healthier, more sustainable communities at the 'Happier, Healthier, Highways Symposium 2026: Vision-Led Planning' in the East Midlands, taking place at Nottingham Trent University.

Hosted by CIHT East Midlands in partnership with the Landscape Institute East Midlands and Nottingham Trent University, the symposium will bring together leading practitioners, policymakers and academics to examine how transport networks and public spaces can be designed around desired future outcomes, including net-zero ambitions, healthier communities and improved quality of life.

The event will explore how highways engineers, transport planners and landscape architects can play a central role in delivering places that prioritise people, sustainability and long-term wellbeing. Through keynote presentations, expert panels and real-world case studies, delegates will gain practical insights into how vision-led planning can be applied at national, regional and local levels.

A keynote address will be delivered by Clare Maltby, Head of Transport Strategy at the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), who will discuss the importance of transport strategy in shaping healthier neighbourhoods, stronger communities and a more sustainable future.

The programme will also feature contributions from recognised leaders in vision-led planning, including CIHT’s Trustee Jon Parker, author of the Vision Led Planning Guide, and Nicola Lodge of ITP by Haskoning, who will share practical examples of how this approach is influencing development and transport planning across the UK. Delegates will also hear from senior planning and highways professionals representing Leicester City Council, Lincoln City Council and Nottingham City Council.

Discussions throughout the day will focus on how high-quality, vision-led development can provide healthier, more attractive and more sustainable places than traditional car-dependent approaches. Speakers will showcase examples from the East Midlands and beyond, highlighting successful strategies that place people, communities and quality of life at the heart of decision-making.

The symposium forms part of the wider Happier, Healthier, Highways initiative, which encourages the sector to consider how transport infrastructure can contribute positively to physical health, mental wellbeing, environmental sustainability and thriving communities. The event will provide valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing between professionals from a wide range of disciplines and sectors.

Who should attend?

The symposium is suitable for planners, designers, highways professionals, consultants, local authority officers and practitioners at all career stages. It will be particularly valuable for those looking to deliver practical solutions to contemporary urban challenges and create places that support active travel, sustainable growth and healthier lifestyles.

Book your place

The Happier, Healthier, Highways Symposium 2026: Vision-Led Planning in the East Midlands takes place on Wednesday 30 September 2026, from 09:00 to 14:00, at Nottingham Trent University's City Campus. Student and limited public sector places are available free of charge.

To find out more and register, visit the event page:

https://www.ciht.org.uk/event/happier-healthier-highways-symposium-2026-vision-led-planning-in-the-east-midlands/

Are you a public sector professional?

CIHT is offering a limited number of free places for public sector delegates. If you are working to deliver healthier, more sustainable places and would benefit from attending, contact CIHT at regions@ciht.org.uk to enquire about availability and secure your place

Be part of the conversation on how vision-led planning can create healthier communities, support climate goals and shape more sustainable places for future generations.