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KNOWLEDGE &
INSIGHTS
If you have any news and media queries please contact Paul Browne by emailing paul@meaningful.agency or by calling +44 7966 297 745.


A bold new era for local government: understanding the changes ahead
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
Dec 154 min read


COP30 Brazil the 30th Annual United Nations Climate Meeting
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:
Nov 242 min read


Balancing Public Interest and Planning Control – Accommodation of Asylum Seekers – Epping Forest District Council v Somani Hotels Ltd
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)
Nov 215 min read


Supreme Court ruling limits councils’ power to block developments over nutrient concerns
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.
Nov 211 min read


What’s the key to delivering timely retail deals? Collaboration
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.
Oct 303 min read


What is the impact of the C G Fry case?
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
Oct 223 min read


The Tale of the Snail and the Much-Delayed Rail
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:
Sep 53 min read


Retail Real Estate: Navigating the Legal Landscape Behind the Shopfront
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.
Aug 153 min read


Richard Holmes and Nichola Gray - Media City Nell's Pizza Deal
Commercial property partner, Richard Holmes and Nichola Gray recently completed a lease for Nell's Pizza's new location in MediaCity, Manchester.
Aug 42 min read


From tariffs to tenants, property partner, Richard Holmes covers the forces shaping UK industrial property in 2025 in a recent article.
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
Jul 206 min read
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