People first: wellbeing, flexibility and agility in action Sarah Galley, our Head of Operations, in the Cambridge University Land Society has shared her reflections on how real estate firms can adapt and act with purpose, not panic, to market change. Click here to read the full article . Find out more about Sarah here .  Sarah Galley  (Head of Operations) E: sarah.galley@djblaw.co.uk In Sarah’s role as Head of Operations, she is responsible for overseeing the continual develo

Economy, community and nature all need to work together. Christopher Kerr, our Head of ESG, says, “There is more to our growing blue economy than meets the eye,” highlighting the importance of balancing economic growth with thriving communities and healthy marine ecosystems. Click here to read the full article on page 64 Find out more about Chris here .  Christopher Kerr  (Partner) E: chris.kerr@djblaw.co.uk Christopher heads up Davitt Jones Bould's Environmental, Social and

BE News asked leaders from across the built environment industry to summarise 2025 in one word and share their hopes, fears and expectations for 2026. Our Chief Executive, Peter Allinson, commented on his thoughts regarding the previous and upcoming year. You can read the full article by clicking here. Find out more about Peter here .  Peter Allinson  (Partner) E: peter.allinson@djblaw.co.uk As the firm’s Chief Executive Peter has historically focused on developing innovative

Since its introduction in 2012, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has been revised no fewer than six times, with each iteration attempting to refine the balance between growth, sustainability, and local autonomy. Now the government has published a new draft NPPF for consultation. This has been described as the “most radical” shift yet, intended to streamline the system and provide greater clarity and certainty. But just how radical is the proposed NPPF? And will i

A new Davitt Jones Bould survey of over 100 senior local government real estate professionals has found that local government reorganisation (LGR), in which councils in two-tier areas – i.e. those governed at both County and District/Borough/City levels – will be replaced by a single-tier system of unitary authorities, will have a negative impact on regional estates management. 46% of respondents – which included heads of asset teams, in-house lawyers and surveyors – said tha

From the 10th-21st of November the 30th annual United Nations climate meeting took place in Belém Brazil. Our head of ESG Chris Kerr comments:

The judgment in Epping Forest District Council v Somani Hotels Ltd provides significant guidance on the application of Section 187B of the TCPA 1990. The court’s refusal to grant the injunction was based on the principle that injunctive relief should only be granted when it is necessary and proportionate. While the court indicated that the council may have had a reasonable basis to allege a breach of planning control (whilst being critical of the exercise of delegated powers)

While the appellant will feel vindicated that an appropriate assessment was riled not to be required in relation to effects on a Ramsar site, the Court also ruled that, where Habitats Regulations do apply, an appropriate assessment and measures to ensure nutrient neutrality can be required at discharge-of-conditions stage.

Next month marks the 30th edition of MAPIC, the main global transactional hub for retail property players. Held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on November 4-5, the two-day event is an ideal opportunity for those working in the retail property sector to address the industry’s evolving challenges.

The Supreme Court has handed down its long-awaited decision in the C G Fry case. The decision affirms that an appropriate assessment under the Habitats Regulations should be carried out, and nutrient neutrality measures required, after the grant of planning permission, at reserved matters or when discharging pre-commencement conditions, where there are effects on a habitats site protected under the Habitats Regulations. However, the Court also held that the Habitats Regulati

Head of ESG, Chris Kerr features in Local Government lawyer, responding to reports that the Government plans to curtail environmental protections in a bid to speed up infrastructure projects:

Multiple factors including inflation, and digital disruption have reshaped UK retail. Forward-thinking occupiers are adapting with new leasing models and experiential stores. As the market evolves, legal considerations around leases, compliance, and strategy are critical for businesses entering or expanding in this fast-evolving retail landscape. Here's what businesses need to know when considering entrance or expansion in this quickly evolving market.

Commercial property partner, Richard Holmes and Nichola Gray recently completed a lease for Nell's Pizza's new location in MediaCity, Manchester.

The industrial and warehousing sector has been one of the most resilient in UK commercial real estate in recent years thanks to a number of things including trends in supply chains and consumer shopping preferences. Even factoring a degree of general uncertainty in the financial markets due to Donald Trump’s announcements regarding tariffs on overseas goods, there is still a desire to acquire the right industrial and warehousing stock if the price is correct and the right sor

Commercial property partner Melanie Greer Walker recently completed on the purchase of a £4.3m multi-let industrial estate subject to leases for a US based company of which their UK subsidiary is the principal tenant.

Upward-only rent reviews, which mean rents can only rise at set review periods, remain a cornerstone of UK leasing and property valuations. While their prevalence has declined over the last two decades, notably in the retail sector and for smaller lettings, they remain common.

June 2025 Commercial Property Partner, Richard Holmes , featured in BE News discussing the industrial sector . ''The industrial and...

June 2025 In a recent Local Government Lawyer article planning partner Chrisa Tsompani examines how the Government's planning reforms...

Head of ESG, Chris Kerr, features in BE News covering covering the tale of two crises - Nature vs Housing.

Head of ESG, Chris Kerr, features in BE News covering why the devolution white paper will have a significant impact on the real estate sector.