Planning Reform Hub

The planning system, in particular housing delivery and energy generation, has been high on the political agenda for over a decade. Government controls on how, and where, we live, work and play have never been more important. The new Labour Government is no different. Learn about the latest planning developments and proposals from the team at Mishcon de Reya.

Our experience

Our planning team regularly handle complex and high-profile developments and property deals, working with master developers and major property owners as well as acting for a range of investors, funders, promotors, owner occupiers and those having land acquired by compulsory acquisition. Our team's extensive knowledge and experience ensures that we are well positioned to navigate our clients through the intricacies of the planning process, including new planning regulations and reforms.

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News

"Yes, minister" - The power of written ministerial statements

If a Government wants to quickly influence and direct a change in policy, clarify ambiguities, set new priorities, or reinforce existing policies, they need look no further than issuing a written ministerial statement (WMS).

30 Jul 2024

News

Analysing Starmer's housing reforms: Tom Barton for the Daily Telegraph

Tom Barton, a Partner at Mishcon de Reya, provided insights to the Daily Telegraph on the potential legal challenges to Sir Keir Starmer's housebuilding reforms.

24 Jul 2024

News

Analysing Labour's new development agenda: Public benefit or unfair advantage

The ascension of the Labour Party to government has been met with optimism across the property and construction sectors, fuelled by Labour's mandate to tackle the pressing issues of housing shortage and stalled infrastructure development.

22 Aug 2024

News

Labouring for housebuilders

The FT reports that among a general post-election stock market bounce on Friday, housebuilder shares have figured strongly. Indeed, well-known names seem to have experienced 2-3.5 times the percentage increase of the rest of the FTSE250.

9 Jul 2024

News

The first 100 days of a Labour Government: Planning Reform Proposals

Commenting on the Chancellor’s proposals for planning reform, Daniel Farrand, Of Counsel in the Planning and Environment Group at Mishcon de Reya said:

9 Jul 2024

News

Comparing the Conservative and Labour manifestos on planning: Greenfield, brownfield, red field, blue field

Now the Conservative and Labour Party manifestos have been launched, it is time to see how both parties compare when it comes to planning.

13 Jun 2024

Sahaviriya Steel Industries

Advising SSI in relation to the compulsory purchase of the former Redcar Steelworks.

Stratford Village Development Partnership

Advising on a suite of major build to rent and student scheme applications at the former Olympic site in East Village.

Higgins Homes

Advising Higgins Homes on their a joint masterplan for the redevelopment of Hayes Town Centre to provide more than 500 homes across 5 phases of development.

Redcar Bulk Terminal

Advising RBT in relation to its interface with a number of nationally significant infrastructure projects in Teeside, which the port's capabilities and its surrounding industrial land will play a critical role in delivering.

Funder and developer

Advising on all planning matters relating to a major new campus for life sciences firms in Stevenage. The campus will provide 1.4 million square feet of lab and office facilities, with a GDV of £900m.

Data Centre and Gigafactory Developer

Advising on the conditional subject to planning sale of the former Blythe Power station and failed form Giga Factory to create Europe’s largest data centre.

Stay Belvedere Hotels Limited

Advising in respect of numerous HMO declaration appeals, judicial review challenge and planning enforcement matters regarding the use of hotels for initial accommodation for asylum seekers.

Shaftesbury Capital

Acting as legal advisor on their Covent Garden portfolio, including on all planning matters.

Healey Development Solutions

Representing our client on a planning appeal seeking to construct a mixed-use development comprising the change of use of Tolworth Tower and the construction of two new residential towers and a public plaza.

Notting Hill Genesis

Advising one of London's largest registered providers of social housing on various planning matters.

Bridge UK Properties

Advising this US-based industrial real estate operating company and investment manager in relation to its proposed development at Weybridge Business Park.

Overseas UHNW individual

Acting for a client in relation to the refurbishment as their central London home of a £33m listed building on the buildings at risk register. This has included initial acquisition, defence of legal challenges to the lawfulness of the existing basement permission and advise on any new permissions needed as a result of changes the client may wish to see. All the while advising on keeping the from deteriorating further.

Virtual pop-ups

If you would like to discuss navigating the current Planning landscape, or our team's comments on upcoming reform including CPO and compensation, greenbelt release, or the recent changes to the NPPF, please book one of our virtual pop-ups.

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