As a part of the government’s strategy towards increasing home ownership, significant proposals aimed at making shared ownership more accessible have now been announced. In this insight, we explore the government’s proposals and what this means for RPs.

The government published the much anticipated white paper on 5 August 2020, which focuses on the reform of the English planning system. We summarise the key aims, the changes proposed and what they mean for housing providers.

On 1 July 2020, the Planning Inspectorate heard an appeal in which it appears to have come to the opposite conclusion of its previous decision on the application of permitted development rights. We examine the outcome details and what this means for RPs.

To address the ongoing issue of the UK’s housing shortage, the government has announced the extension of permitted development rights, speeding up the development process. We explore these initiatives and what they mean for registered providers (RPs).

As a result of COVID-19, Boris Johnson has put forward his ‘New Deal’ to boost the struggling UK economy and to address the ongoing issue of the UK’s housing shortage. We set out the new measures and investments of the deal and what they mean for RPs.

Due diligence on the planning history of the development site is essential. We explore the appeal to the Planning Inspectorate for the refusal of a Lawful Development Certificate by Mole Valley District Council and what it means for registered providers.

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing strain on every aspect of society and we are unlikely to revert back to the ‘norm’ in the immediate future. Adapting to this unprecedented time will be key to ensure business runs as smoothly as possible.

We summarise the advice from Natural England and set out the methods used to measure nitrogen output of new developments in the Solent region, and the steps that developers and landowners need to take against the impact on designated sites.

As from 4 May 2020 the Land Registry has amended Practice Guideline 8 on the execution of documents (new section 12) in relation to the admissibility for registration of deeds and documents executed by virtual means. We summarise the new process here.

The Government has released guidance for social landlords on essential home moves. Although this is not statutory guidance, it includes helpful tips on what most housing providers should be doing when it comes to residents moving home, and repairs.

Last month, a number of UK house builders announced closure of their construction sites across the UK. The Government has now confirmed that construction sites are permitted to be open as long as the correct Site Operating Procedures are complied with.

The first official judgment on a phased planning permission for the purpose of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) has been handed down by the High Court. We examine the implications for housing providers in this insight.