| Womble Bond Dickinson

Planning for the Future - building back better?

11 Nov 2020

The Government's consultation on the "planning system of the future" closed on 29 October 2020. For a white paper, the consultation document contained a remarkable number of proposals for a reworked planning system for England. Many of the proposals are ambitious and would require primary legislation though some fundamental aspects of the system would remain.

WBD bolsters Edinburgh offering with new partner hire

14 Sep 2020

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has strengthened its real estate practice in Edinburgh with the appointment of Paul Mason who joins as a partner.

RPI is changing: 3 reasons why property occupiers and investors need to take action

12 May 2020

The recent announcement of the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to extend the consultation period for assessing the reform of the Retail Prices Index (RPI) until this summer in view of COVID-19 will give businesses more time to respond on this important issue. Whilst many of the articles about the proposal to align RPI with the Consumer Prices Index plus Housing Costs (CPIH) methodology will focus on the effect it will have on bonds and pension schemes, landlords and tenants will need to be aware of the implications for commercial leases. It has been accepted that RPI will go (or be brought in line with CPIH) from 2030, but the Chancellor has given a clear signal that he is thinking about bringing that date forward to 2025. This makes it relevant for many new leases being agreed now or already in place.

WBD wins Legal 500 award for real estate

16 Jan 2020

Womble Bond Dickinson has been recognised for its expertise in Real Estate in the 2020 Legal 500 awards – winning the Real Estate Firm (outside London) of the year. The Real Estate award covers expertise in commercial property, construction, planning and environment, property litigation and social housing.

Government set to trial binding reservation agreements

19 Nov 2019

The Government has been considering implementing binding reservation agreements in conveyancing transactions and have now decided to proceed to a trial phase.

10 years of the Planning Act: get involved in a new study

25 Oct 2018

Ten years on from the introduction of the Planning Act 2008, and the Development Consent Order (DCO) regime, Barton Willmore, Copper and Womble Bond Dickinson are launching a study to capture what we have learnt, assess how fit for purpose the existing system is, and explore how it can evolve to meet the fast-changing needs of UK Plc.

Build to rent consultation closes

17 Aug 2017

Earlier this year the Government issued a consultation about changes to planning policy affecting the 'Build To Rent' sector'. The consultation received responses from a variety of stakeholders ranging from private individuals to local authorities as well as developers and investors.

An overwhelming majority of respondents supported the specific recognition of Build To Rent and Affordable Private Rent by means of their inclusion as defined terms into the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which would recognise its benefits at a national level and encourage Local Planning Authorities to consider it when assessing the delivery of housing within their areas.

Bond Dickinson advises on redevelopment of intu Milton Keynes inquiry

28 Jul 2017

Bond Dickinson acted for the applicant at the intu Milton Keynes call-in inquiry which has now been given the green light by the Secretary of State after plans were called-in in late 2015. The scheme, which will be one of the most significant retail and leisure development projects that Central Milton Keynes has seen in over a decade, will include a new dining quarter over two levels and a five-screen boutique cinema.

Proposed register of beneficial owners of overseas entities owning UK property - how will it affect you?

27 Apr 2017

The government proposes to create a public register of the beneficial owners of overseas entities which own property in the UK or are involved in UK government procurement. The new register will be held by Companies House and modelled on the register of persons with significant control which already applies to UK companies (the PSC register).

The government first outlined its proposals last year. Earlier this month it issued a call for evidence, asking interested parties for their views on how the new register can best be delivered. The deadline to submit views is 5pm on Monday 15 May 2017.

Bond Dickinson advises on major rent-to-buy partnership

07 Apr 2017

Bond Dickinson LLP has advised its client Rentplus, the affordable homes provider, on a partnership that will see the introduction of the rent-to-buy model to Cambridgeshire.

The partnership was struck with social housing organisation King Street Housing Society (KSHS) and will help address some of the housing issues facing the region, including the lack of affordable homes. The partnership will see new properties being made available to local families and workers, providing residents with an affordable and sustainable way into homeownership. KSHS is Rentplus's first housing association partners in the region which will help towards delivering 1,000 homes across Cambridgeshire.

Related insights: Investors

Planning for the Future - building back better?

WBD bolsters Edinburgh offering with new partner hire

RPI is changing: 3 reasons why property occupiers and investors need to take action

WBD wins Legal 500 award for real estate

Government set to trial binding reservation agreements

10 years of the Planning Act: get involved in a new study

Build to rent consultation closes

Bond Dickinson advises on redevelopment of intu Milton Keynes inquiry

Proposed register of beneficial owners of overseas entities owning UK property - how will it affect you?

Bond Dickinson advises on major rent-to-buy partnership

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