Government gives retirement living sector a helping hand
New guidance and ground rent exemption are positive steps but may not be enough to tackle supply shortfall
Rise of flexible office space poses headache for valuers
Traditional valuation models are being questioned but it may take a downturn for valuers to alter their approach.
Farmers urged to be vigilant following rise in waste crime
Environment Agency calls on landowners to take preventative action to stop illegal dumping of ‘baled waste’.
National Audit Office highlights rewards and risks of Help to Buy scheme
Report finds scheme has boosted housebuilding but warns taxpayer could ‘lose out’ if market slumps.
Councils forced to come clean about developer contributions
Transparency on how payments are spent is welcomed but concerns remain about other aspects of legislation
Use class merger may have unintended consequences
Industry welcomes single use class plans but councils fear they may make high streets less vibrant and diverse
Supreme Court’s ruling on £1 valuation is blow to landlords
Ruling that vacant building is worth £370,000 sets worrying precedent for owners of similar properties
Northamptonshire unitary authority plans fail to convince
Combination of seven councils into two sparks concerns that constituents’ local influence will be diluted
PDR extension splits opinion over impact on high streets
New rights to turn shops to offices and takeaways to homes cited both as saviour and last straw for high street
Architects’ report looks at how to build ‘more, better, faster’
Study by four architecture practices calls for more ‘distinctively local’ new housing developments.
