Introducing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing. The government considers the current planning regime to be a major brake on economic growth – one of...more
One of the many benefits of being in a truly global law firm, is being able to explore the experiences of counterparts around the world – which are often so similar, yet so very different – to help inspire and inform what we...more
In the planning world we are no strangers to the political spotlight every time there is an election. It seems that the promise of greater delivery, more housing, and speedier decisions is a rite of passage for any new...more
The way we use land and buildings is constantly evolving. In recent years, though, irrespective of where you are in the world, it has felt as if the pace of that change has been accelerating, be that to accommodate new,...more
2024 continues to deliver waves of ESG-related news, updates and developments. In this latest ESG Update Robert Gowing considers the challenges inherent in the planning system when it comes to adapting or upgrading heritage...more
As part of the UK's ambition to become a Science and Tech superpower by 2030, the government has confirmed its commitment to help unlock opportunities for data driven businesses to scale up and to scale up fast. This scaling...more
A glance at the legislative changes likely to impact global real estate over the next few months.
What legal developments can we expect to see globally this Spring? Whichever jurisdiction you operate in, there is an array...more
In this alert, we provide a round-up of the latest developments in ESG for UK corporates. In this month’s ESG Market Alert, we cover: FRC omits references to ESG in revised UK Corporate Governance Code U.S. Securities and...more
A snapshot of key regulatory developments expected to impact the UK real estate sector over the coming months.
What is coming down the line this Spring in terms of new legislation and which are the crucial cases to have on...more
The new Biodiversity Net Gain regime comes into force in February 2024 and should be front of mind for those in the development industry. Our Planning team has prepared a Real Estate Horizons flowchart to help you to navigate...more
The new Biodiversity Net Gain regime comes into force in February 2024 and should be front of mind for those in the development industry. Our Planning team has prepared a Real Estate Horizons one page summary to help you to...more
2023 was the year of MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards), with the implementation of new rules which made it unlawful for commercial landlords to continue to let property with an EPC rating of F or G. Looking forward...more
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – excited children, the promise of time with loved ones, the scent of mince pies, and a feast of year-end round-ups of some of the most exciting things to have happened in the last...more
Our Real Estate Horizons one page summary explains what the new BNG requirement is, when it’s relevant and the options available for satisfying it, and provide details on how the biodiversity value of a site is calculated...more
In September 2020, faced with the impacts of a global pandemic exacerbating the problems of an already struggling high-street, the UK government introduced a significant shake-up of the Use Classes Order with the creation of...more
While securing planning permission is often seen as the end of the planning process for a project, there are many reasons why a developer may need to change that consent – a new need for flexibility to reflect changes in the...more
In the global real estate industry, there has been little escape from tales of economic woe recently. But there are still many with money to spend, and given the uncertainty around office, retail and leisure following the...more
The government’s newly formed Older People’s Housing Taskforce held its inaugural meeting in London on 17 May. Led by Professor Julienne Meyer, a former nurse with an extensive career in researching care for older people,...more
The UK government has long wanted to do away with the European-based system of environmental impact assessments, replacing it with a new, improved, domestic regime of environmental assessment and protection. The Levelling-up...more
It’s almost impossible to escape stories of rocketing inflation and increasing costs globally. The development industry isn’t immune to these pressures but is there more to this trend than the increased cost of materials? ...more
Secretaries of State may come and go, but some things remain the same in the English planning system, such as the controversy around protections for, and redevelopment of, the greenbelt. But what is the greenbelt, and does...more
As dark clouds continue to gather on the horizon, and economic activity begins to falter, real estate can quickly slip from being an asset to being a significant financial burden....more
Following a hot summer of even more heated debates, Elizabeth Truss will visit Balmoral on Tuesday 6 September where the Queen will confirm her position as the new prime minister for the UK. Beyond the headline grabbing...more
The promise of planning reform seems perennial. After its Planning White Paper received a less than warm reception, compounded by suggestions that it contributed to by-election defeats, the government decided to pause its...more
Following public consultation earlier this year, draft legislation for a new residential property developer tax has been published by HM Treasury. The aim is to help fund the growing costs of cladding remediation works,...more