PUBLICATIONS

The Government has today announced decisions on the future unitaries for the areas of Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. The Government is yet to make a decision on the future of East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton on Hove due to concerns regarding all four of the proposals they received.

The following update provides you with the key news relating to devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) during the first quarter of 2026.

We are delighted to announce that have appointed two property partners that specialise in development, expanding our capacity to provide expert legal advice across large-scale urban regeneration and mixed-use development schemes. Partner Christopher Brigstocke is a highly experienced property lawyer specialising in major urban regeneration and infrastructure projects. He has acted for a wide range of clients including developers, investors, funders, landowners and public sec

By Chrisa Tsompani , Partner, Davitt Jones Bould From 1 April 2026, changes introduced under the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Written Representations Procedure) (England) (Amendment and Saving Provision) Regulations 2026 and new guidance from the Planning Inspectorate will see around 95% of planning appeals determined under an expanded expedited written representations procedure. The Government says this will create a “faster, more efficient planning appeals process”

Richard Snape, our Head of Legal Training, tackles the 'hard truths' about the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, and draws on findings from one of our recent webinar surveys on the same topic.

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.