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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.


Adaptation and Purpose
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
15 minutes ago1 min read


"There is more to our growing Blue Economy than meets the eye"
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
5 days ago1 min read


26 for ’26: Industry leaders deliver their predictions for the year ahead. Part two
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
5 days ago1 min read


Is planning entering a new year?
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
7 days ago1 min read


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 15, 20254 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 24, 20252 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 21, 20255 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 21, 20251 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 30, 20253 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 22, 20253 min read
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