Insights & News

The implications of proposed powers for councils to block slow developers: Sara Hanrahan comments for Planning Resource

11 May 2023

A legislative tweak allowing councils to refuse applications anywhere in their area from applicants deemed slow to build out a site will be challenging to implement, may unfairly penalise smaller developers and could deter brownfield redevelopment, commentators fear.

Lewis Silkin oversees construction contracts and construction aspects of major new UK film studio

18 July 2022

Shinfield Studios development set to bring Hollywood to the Thames Valley.

Location, context and place-shaping challenge - The Great Office Occupier & Developer Debate

24 May 2022

Office premises come in a wide variety of forms from new, smart buildings to older traditional and historic stock. One thing that is common to both is the need for context and location – a sense of physical place.

Covid-19 relief for financially troubled suppliers with public contracts

01 April 2020

On 20 March 2020 the Cabinet Office published guidance designed to ensure that all public bodies provide support under existing contracts to suppliers of “goods, services and works” who are financially “at risk” as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

More than just a stadium…

18 September 2019

However it’s done, whether being rebuilt from scratch (Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal), expanded (Liverpool) or converted from other uses (West Ham, Manchester City), one thing for certain is that football stadiums are big business. In this article, we explore some of the current projects and highlight some of the hot topics surrounding these cathedrals of the national game.

Some good news (at last) for business rate payers in England

21 January 2019

On 1 November 2018 the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 (Act) received Royal Assent. The Act will apply to England only. It was introduced in response to the controversial decision of the Supreme Court in Woolway v Mazars in 2015. The title of the Act doesn’t sound exciting but it may save some businesses money by reversing potential increases in their liability to business rates. Before we look at what the Act does, let’s remind ourselves as to why the Government felt compelled to step in and legislate

The new visa route for recognised or emerging leaders in architecture: what does this mean for the architectural sector?

13 December 2018

The Government has announced a new immigration category for overseas recognised or emerging leaders in architecture that has the potential to ease access to jobs in the UK. With Brexit looming on the horizon, this news will provide some much needed reassurance that the UK’s Architecture sector will still be able to attract the best global talent over the coming years. However the new measures are limited in their scope and are unlikely to plug the gap that will be left once freedom of movement for EU workers comes to an end.

CDM 2015: Who is the Principal Designer?

01 August 2017

By now, everyone is familiar with The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (“Regulations”). However, there still seems to be confusion as to who should fulfil the role of the Principal Designer (“PD”).

Beware of copyright when considering existing planning permission

02 March 2017

The recent judgment in Signature Realty Ltd v Fortis Developments Ltd & Anor is an excellent example of the application of copyright in a planning and building context.

Further update on warrants following suspended orders

22 December 2016