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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commercial Property Partner, Richard Holmes, featured in BE News discussing the industrial sector.

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.

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.

Commercial property partner,   John Condliffe , appeared in  BE News   commenting:  This growth will impact local power infrastructure, since data centres use large amounts of electrical power and can put strain on national grids that are already near capacity. Data centres in the Republic of Ireland use more than 20% of all electrical power consumed nationally. Data centres need to be able to connect to the grid as soon as they are built, yet currently some centres can wait