PUBLICATIONS

In this article, Christopher Kerr argues that while devolving power to regional mayors could unlock growth, it may also deepen deprivation along the coast unless coastal voices are built into decision-making from the start. From infrastructure gaps and poor health outcomes to the risks posed by local government reorganisation, Chris sets out four practical policy shifts needed to ensure devolution works for, not against, the UK’s coastline.

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.

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.

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.

October - December update providing key news relating to the local government reorganisation and devolution of the final quarter of 2025.

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.

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.

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.

The following update provides you with the key news relating to local government reform (LGR) and devolution for the months of August and September.

The Government has launched the English Devolution and Community Engagement Bill (“the Bill”), which spans 338 pages. The Devolution Bill introduces three tiers of strategic authority, outlines mayoral powers, and restructures local government by eliminating two-tier structures. Additionally, it establishes a new community right to buy and, surprisingly, abolishes upward-only rent reviews. Here, we provide a summary of the key impacts that the Devolution Bill will have on pla

The 338-page English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was published on 10 July 2025, and is currently going through the parliamentary process. The Bill formalises much of the contents of the English Devolution White Paper, with some notable additions.

To facilitate national economic recovery, the Government has launched new legislation and policy1 designed to turbo-charge local economies. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (“The Bill”) is the centrepiece to achieving this.

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.

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.

Head of ESG, Chris Kerr covers the main reasons why the government mustn’t forget coastal areas in its Spring Statement in a BE News article.