PLANNING LAW UPDATES

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.

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. The latter part of the decision sits at odds with the government’s objective to beat the blockers and deliver 1.5 million new homes.

The accommodation of asylum seekers continues to raise challenges for both those working to fulfil the need for such accommodation and local authorities. In this article, we examine the recent judgment of Mr. Justice Mould in the case of Epping Forest District Council v Somani Hotels Ltd EWHC 2937 (KB), delivered on 13–15 October 2025.

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.

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.

In a recent Local Government Lawyer article planning partner Chrisa Tsompani examines how the Government's planning reforms could reshape every lawyer of the sector.

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

Planning Partner, Nigel Hewitson, features in the latest edition of Estates Gazette covering the pending dispute involving Daisy May Cooper and listed building responsibilities.

Since the new government came into power last July, one thing has become clear: how serious it is about its commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes in this parliamentary session. This government places the planning reform at the top of its agenda to deliver this ambitious housing target.   On 12 December, the new National Planning Policy Framework (the ‘ 2024 NPPF’ ) became operative. This plan is a significant milestone in the planning reform journey and will substantially s