Insights & News

Towards Net Zero in London's Bankside Yards

22 September 2023

Overlooking the iconic St Paul's Cathedral and Tate Modern, Lewis Silkin hosted another fantastic ESG focused event “FutuRE Proofing the Office: Journey to Net Zero”. The event, held at the stunning new Lewis Silkin office with its panoramic 360-degree views, brought together Native Land, the Carbon Trust, Lewis Silkin, and a group of invitees from across various business sectors. The purpose? To engage in a conversation about proactive strategies for future-proofing buildings, achieving net-zero emissions, and enhancing landlord’s and tenant’s sustainability credentials.

Recent High Court decision refining on Finney and S73 changes affecting operative wording

12 September 2023

On 6 September, the High Court handed down judgment in R (Fiske) v Test Valley Borough Council [2023] EWHC 2221 (Admin), to quash a decision granting planning permission pursuant to S73 TCPA 1990 for a solar farm development in the Test Valley.

Hotels: Clearing the air – green trends in the hotel industry

01 September 2023

Fuelled by the climate crisis, green-minded stakeholders are applying ever-increasing pressure on hotel companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This is not surprising given that, according to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the carbon emissions generated per room per night in UK hotels are as high as 10.4 kg CO2e.

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.

What to expect from revisions to the NPPF and other policy changes this summer: Sara Hanrahan comments for Planning Magazine

06 July 2022

The levelling up bill includes a section on digitalising the planning system. Last Autumn, the government launched the PropTech Engagement Fund to support the widespread adoption of digital citizen engagement tools and services within the planning process. The second round of projects was announced in June. Some of the results of this initiative are expected in September.

“LURB” - Practical Planning Points for Developers

17 May 2022

The Government finally issued the long awaited Planning Bill on 11 May repackaged as “The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill” (“LURB”). The LURB covers a wide range of proposals or “missions” for levelling-up the country as well as planning reforms.

The policy and legislation changes to expect this winter: Sara Hanrahan comments for Planning Magazine

29 November 2021

With levelling-up a key government policy, the start of 2022 is set to hot up with the government setting out its response to feedback on the planning white paper

What we know about the government's proposed changes to developer contributions: Sara Hanrahan comments for Planning Magazine

21 May 2021

In this article for Planning Magazine, Sara Hanrahan comments on whether the government will stick to previous proposals for a flat-rate charge and postponement of payment to project completion through which developers contribute to the cost of mitigating the impacts of their schemes.

FAQS on Covid-19 planning reforms

14 August 2020

Just before the pandemic outbreak, the Government issued the trailer ‘Planning for the Future’ announcing various proposed reforms to the planning system. This was to be followed by a White Paper in the spring but following lock-down the Paper was postponed. Instead, the Government concentrated on emergency measures to alleviate the crisis. As lock down eased, Boris Johnson launched ‘Project Speed’ aimed at getting Britain building again including a radical reform of the planning system. This has resulted in a flurry of legislation with more to come.

Covid-19 – Legislation now passed for new PD rights

25 March 2020

The Government is responding quickly to the current crisis with new legislation. On the 21 March, The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020 were issued requiring the immediate closure of businesses selling food or drink for consumption on the premises including all restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs.

COVID-19 and tech solutions for planning

24 March 2020

The industry appears to be split about the use of technology in the decision making process. Last week, the Planning Inspectorate issued guidance that confirmed all site visits would be cancelled and two local plan examinations due to take place were postponed.

Government urged to relax planning regulations

23 March 2020

The RTPI, RICS and RIBA have written to the Prime Minister offering to assist “in this time of national emergency" and "seek Government support for the UK’s construction and infrastructure sectors which are worth over £100 billion to the UK economy".

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.

Smart Floorspace Digitalising Retail Experience

10 September 2019

Media coverage over the last year for the retail sector has been saturated with reports about the decline of the nation’s high streets.