Related insights: Local Government
New homes for refugees in Bristol to be created by flagship £2.5m public and private sector deal
12 Apr 2024
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised on the creation of a unique partnership which will make available new high-quality housing for Ukrainian refugees while paving the way for future affordable housing schemes in Bristol.
12 flats in the city has been purchased with the aim of providing local, affordable housing for refugees in a manner which has seen private and public investment combined with support from leading social enterprise ACH (Ashley Community & Housing).
12 flats in the city has been purchased with the aim of providing local, affordable housing for refugees in a manner which has seen private and public investment combined with support from leading social enterprise ACH (Ashley Community & Housing).
Airport revival now boarding as WBD advises on lease agreement for Doncaster Sheffield Airport
02 Apr 2024
It's one step closer to getting planes in the skies of Doncaster once more after international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) helped advise the City's council on the agreement of a headlease for Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
A 125 year headlease has been completed by the City of Doncaster Council to take over the Airport site following over a year of discussions and negotiations with the existing landowner the Peel Group, with the Council intending to sub-let the Airport site to a new operator.
A 125 year headlease has been completed by the City of Doncaster Council to take over the Airport site following over a year of discussions and negotiations with the existing landowner the Peel Group, with the Council intending to sub-let the Airport site to a new operator.
A lesson in local authority decision-making: Pratt v Exeter City Council
28 Feb 2024
The judgement against Exeter City Council (ECC) provides a useful reminder to Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) of their duties when granting planning permission. Notably, LPAs are reminded of their duty, known as the Tameside duty, to take reasonable steps to ensure that they have made sufficient enquiry before making a decision to grant planning permission. Further, it reminds LPAs of the importance of taking into account all material considerations, rather than just relying on the information presented by a developer in a planning application.
Drop-in dropout: local authority decision to grant a 'drop in' application quashed
01 Feb 2024
Aysen Dennis, R (on the application of) v London Borough of Southwark
The recent High Court judgment has important implications for the interpretation of planning permissions and use of 'drop in' permissions following Hillside (learn more in our article here). It confirms that an outline, phased permission is not inherently severable.
Whether a permission is or is not severable, and can be amended by a later 'drop in' permission, will depend on whether this was intended when the permission was granted and the extent to which this is clear from the permission itself. Going forwards, if severability is intended, it must be designed into the scheme and made clear on the face of the permission and in the supporting documents.
The recent High Court judgment has important implications for the interpretation of planning permissions and use of 'drop in' permissions following Hillside (learn more in our article here). It confirms that an outline, phased permission is not inherently severable.
Whether a permission is or is not severable, and can be amended by a later 'drop in' permission, will depend on whether this was intended when the permission was granted and the extent to which this is clear from the permission itself. Going forwards, if severability is intended, it must be designed into the scheme and made clear on the face of the permission and in the supporting documents.
New 'Planning Unplugged' podcast episode discusses Biodiversity Net Gain from a local authority perspective
20 Dec 2023
As new biodiversity net gain regulations look to take effect from 2024, what should local authorities be doing to prepare?
In the second episode of our 'Planning Unplugged' podcast series, our host and managing associate Kate Ashworth is joined by managing associates James Clark and Helen Robinson to talk about what steps authorities have to take to embrace the raft of changes, and how its not just the planning departments who need to keep an eye on the latest moves.
In the second episode of our 'Planning Unplugged' podcast series, our host and managing associate Kate Ashworth is joined by managing associates James Clark and Helen Robinson to talk about what steps authorities have to take to embrace the raft of changes, and how its not just the planning departments who need to keep an eye on the latest moves.
Building Safety with Womble Bond Dickinson
01 Oct 2023
Sweeping changes, on a scale never seen before, are being made across the entire building regime.
Learn more about Building Safety at Womble Bond Dickinson - and how our team of lawyers stay up-to-date on building safety developments across a number of sectors and practice areas.
Learn more about Building Safety at Womble Bond Dickinson - and how our team of lawyers stay up-to-date on building safety developments across a number of sectors and practice areas.
Technical consultation on the proposed Infrastructure Levy
13 Jun 2023
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), has sought views in advance of drafting regulations to implement its proposals. The consultation questions cover thresholds for applying the proposed Levy and the application of receipts. It is asking for views on how to deliver infrastructure and affordable housing, as well as a wider set of questions about how to introduce the Levy.
Applications open for Government's £32 million cash injection to upgrade existing heat networks
15 Feb 2023
Achieving net zero will not only require investment in new energy infrastructure, but also the decarbonisation of existing facilities. The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) is a timely invitation for existing heat networks to come in from the cold and undertake some much needed improvements.
Womble Bond Dickinson bolsters Teesside presence with Wilton office move
15 Feb 2023
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) is expanding its presence in Teesside and moving into a larger office at the Wilton Centre, adjacent to the Wilton International site, one of the key areas comprising Teesside's industrial cluster and part of the Teesside Freeport.
In late January, WBD moved into a larger (1,239 sq ft) and more vibrant working environment providing enhanced collaborative and client workspaces, facilities and technology-enabled rooms.
In late January, WBD moved into a larger (1,239 sq ft) and more vibrant working environment providing enhanced collaborative and client workspaces, facilities and technology-enabled rooms.
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