All Professional comment articles – Page 8
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Professional
Planning reforms could fall short
While the focus of the Planning White Paper is on housing delivery, two areas where reforms are also needed if we are to deliver the cities and developments of the future are logistics and the role of data.
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Professional
What opportunities does the public sector offer as a career?
Covid-19 has fundamentally changed the way we need to plan and adapt our cities, our neighbourhoods and our buildings. The pandemic has revealed new expectations for where people would like to live and what types of amenities should be within walking distance.
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Professional
There is black hole of unpaid rent
The government created legislation and guidance for businesses during the pandemic, attempting to protect the economy. It is now consulting on the best way to withdraw or replace the restrictions on evictions and arrears recovery.
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Insight
Why nearshoring is so beneficial
When giant automotive supplier Robert Bosch opened a €1bn chip plant in Germany close to the Sirius Business Park in Dresden last month, it was hailed as a triumph for nearshoring – the opposite of the trend towards globalisation that has driven world economies in the 21 st century. ...
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Professional
Can special-purpose vehicle leases be used to avoid empty rates?
The recent Supreme Court judgment in Hurstwood Properties v Rossendale Borough Council has clarified that the burden of paying empty rates should fall on the person who has the practical ability to bring unoccupied property back into use.
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Insight
Art brings joy to our public spaces
Writing this on one of the longest (and hottest) days of the year, I can finally say that summer is upon us.
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Professional
Science can save empty spaces
With the expectation that many companies will reduce, if not abandon, their office space post pandemic, there is an alternative solution that should be considered when planning the future use of empty commercial buildings – and the answer lies in science.
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Professional
Hybrid working puts the future of corporate HQs in the balance
Post Covid, headquarters must be landmark destinations that are worth the commute for employees and visitors.
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Professional
Planning places around people
Despite its many guises, a 20-minute neighbourhood is essentially a people-focused way of planning, placing daily activities within a reasonable walking distance from home.
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Professional
The importance of visible support for Pride month
I find myself getting frustrated around this time of year (Pride month) at campaigners complaining about so-called ‘rainbow washing’.
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Professional
Businesses need economic help
This month, chancellor Rishi Sunak’s business rates holiday extension comes to an end, albeit with a partial continuation benefiting just small businesses. However, ‘Freedom Day’ has now been postponed, social distancing continues and some sectors are still unable to open.
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Professional
How can the industry best protect businesses from rogue agents?
The number of rogue ratings surveyors is on the rise. This is not a new problem. For years, businesses have been prey to cowboy elements in the industry who claim they can achieve massive business rates reductions, demand fees upfront and then often disappear without trace.
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Professional
What is the best way to improve the HS2 compensation regime?
Anyone who has claimed compensation for HS2 blight will know that it is a process that feels like 12 rounds of boxing, even for the initiated in property. Agreeing valuations and the quantum that should flow can be painfully long-winded.
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Professional
Effective preparation is vital for a successful office return
Space management, online connectivity and cybersecurity procedures are key factors for a smooth return.
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Professional
Village greens pose a conundrum
The phrase ‘village green’ generally brings to mind the traditional image of dancing around the maypole in a quaint village on a summer’s day. In reality, the term has a more complex and potentially challenging meaning. For example, a village green may not be as easy to spot as the ...
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Professional
The value of carbon storage is rising
There has been a perceptible shift in how people are looking at land. It has been dubbed the ‘Thunberg effect’ and, as a result, the profile of clients approaching us seeking land and forestry is changing.
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Professional
Are fears of a post-30 June evictions rush misplaced?
Despite concerns over forfeiture proceedings, experts believe more landlords will negotiate with tenants.
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Professional
What do recent judgments on rent obligations mean for landlords?
Judgments have been handed down awarding landlords summary judgment against their tenants for non-payment of rent during the Covid-19 pandemic, finally giving some judicial commentary on the defences raised by tenants regarding their rent obligations.
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Professional
A guide for future communities
Places for People has launched a new design guide in conjunction with global engineering and design consultancy Arup. The What makes great places for people? guide sets the scene for future communities – especially in a post-Covid world.
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Professional
Will councils meet online again?
Virtual council meetings have been seen by many as a positive step towards the digitalisation of the planning process. In June 2020, 88% of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) members surveyed were in favour of virtual council meetings.