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EIA – a new role for the planning system in considering the health impacts of development?

Published on 10 May 2017.

A summary of the EIA Regulations 2017 and the consideration as part of the planning application process of a proposed development's likely impacts on human health.

Let there be light

Published on 19 Apr 2017.

The importance of light in WELL Building Standards and how it sits within the context of planning law and rights of light

MIPIM: 10 things we learnt about you

Published on 31 Mar 2017.

A round up of things we learnt during our first experience of MIPIM week, from what to wear to how to plan your diary and make the most of your new connections

Engaging with Development – do we always know what we need?

Published on 29 Mar 2017.

Comment on the need for public engagement in the planning and development process, following a ULI presentation on The Well-Tempered City (author Jonathan Rose)

Finally, a victory in the on-going battle against business rates

Published on 03 Mar 2017.

The Supreme Court ruling in Newbigin v Monks represents a welcome and important victory for UK property developers.

Green belt development - don't forget the law!

Published on 13 Feb 2017.

A review of the housing white paper in relation to green belt development noting that the Green Belt (London and Home Counties) Act 1938 is a further hurdle.

Electronic Signatures – the future of executing documents?

Published on 03 Feb 2017.

You could be forgiven for failing to spot the release of The EU Regulation on Electronic Identification and Trust Services in the Internal Market (910/2014/EU) (the Regulation), released post EU referendum. We consider the impact of this and the Law Society's Guidance Note on electronic signatures (the Guidance Note).

Garden Villages - are they necessary?

Published on 09 Jan 2017.

A recent Government announcement has proposed 14 sites across England to be the first garden villages, with 3 further sites to be new garden towns. But with a country full of deserted and derelict buildings, are garden villages and towns the only way forward?

Office to Residential Permitted Development Rights – an update

Published on 08 Aug 2016.

The rights to convert a building from office use to residential without needing to submit a planning application are not new, although a recent decision from the Planning Court have brought them back to the headlines and suggest that they may be more flexible than anticipated.

Freedom of information: access denied by ministerial veto

Published on 04 Feb 2014.

Not since September 2012 when the Attorney General exercised powers under section 53(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) blocking the release of correspondence between Prince Charles and seven government departments has there been a matter likely to attract attention to the use of the ministerial veto.

Court of Appeal's opinion on good faith clauses

Published on 11 Apr 2013.

In our February blog we reported on Compass Group UK and Ireland Ltd (trading as Medirest) v Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust [2012] EWHC 781 (QB) and the implications of the decision on the duty to act in good faith.

Costs overruns in Target Costs contracts

Published on 22 Mar 2013.

Who is liable for costs overruns in a Target Cost contract, and to what extent? AMEC Group recently went to the TCC to appeal against an arbitration decision which found the Secretary of State for Defence ("the Authority") would only be liable for actual costs which were reasonably and properly incurred.

NPPF – 1 year on: smooth transition or wasted opportunity?

Published on 21 Mar 2013.

Given that over 50% of Britain's local councils are still to adopt Local Plans, is the window of opportunity for local residents to take control of development in their local area about to close?

New Kids on the Block : alternative funders in the real estate lending market

Published on 15 Mar 2013.

Over the last couple of years, there has been a surge in real estate lending by non-bank lenders as traditional banks started withdrawing from the market.

Good Faith Clauses

Published on 26 Feb 2013.

There is no general doctrine of good faith in English law and it is not therefore implied into contracts.

JCT Insurance Options: what's the right fit for fit-out?

Published on 18 Feb 2013.

Where a tenant is fitting out premises within a multi-occupied building, the JCT's standard insurance options are not always appropriate and, left unaddressed, place unintended and severe risks on the tenant.

Government property, Kirstie and Phil style?

Published on 01 Feb 2013.

Ok, so Ms Allsopp and Mr Spencer haven’t quite been called in yet, but almost.

Is the Green Deal a great deal?

Published on 29 Jan 2013.

There is no denying the Green Deal has many advantages but consider the deal in relation to short term leases and it may not be as great as it initially seems.

NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract "Guidance Notes": more important than you realise for interpreting the ECC

Published on 18 Jan 2013.

Certain terms of the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract ('ECC') are open to interpretation, and the recent case of E-Nik Ltd v Department for Communities & Local Government [2012] EWHC 3027 (Comm) has cast into doubt whether even something as routine as VAT is crystal-clear under the ECC.

Development incentives – but at what cost?

Published on 14 Jan 2013.

In light of what is starting to appear to be a wholehearted failure to persuade local communities to meet requisite housing targets, Nick Boles last week proposed self-proclaimed "bungs" to local communities.

Leaving customers without signal: the task of re-building the Telecoms Code

Published on 05 Dec 2012.

Now almost 30 years old, the Electronic Communications Code (the 'Code'), falls far short of representing the needs of a swiftly developing communications network.

H&M: Brave New World?

Published on 27 Nov 2012.

We have all been involved in lease negotiations where there are differences of opinion as to what is or is not institutionally acceptable.

End of the line for Village Greens?

Published on 14 Nov 2012.

Nothing can be more frustrating for a developer to see its scheme delayed or worse still derailed by an application for the registration of land as a town or village green ("TVG").

EU AI ACT-ion stations

Published on 29 Sep 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Charles Buckworth, Partner

The EU is forging ahead with its vision for AI. With wrapping up talks on the EU AI Act between the EU governments, the Commission and the parliamentary negotiators imminent, we bring you up to date on the EU's risk based approach, the scope of the Act, a timeline, key points that will form the basis of the discussions and next steps.

What To Know About AI Fraudsters Before Facing Disputes

Published on 29 Aug 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate

Fraudsters are quick to weaponise new technological developments and artificial intelligence is proving no exception, with AI-assisted scams increasingly being reported in the news, including most recently one using a likeness of a BBC broadcaster.

The Terminator: A Tale of Two Insurance Claims

Published on 19 Dec 2023. By Peter Mansfield, Partner

It is 2029, and the Machines are losing their war with Humanity. What to do?

Project Angel Bidco v AXIS - what are the key takeaways for warranty and indemnity insurers?

Published on 30 Nov 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Matthew Wood, Senior Associate and Matt Ward, Trainee Solicitor

On 31 October 2023, the London Circuit Commercial Court gave judgment in Project Angel Bidco Limited (in administration) v Axis Managing Agency Limited & Ors (2023) EWHC 2649.

Wordings do matter

Published on 06 Nov 2023. By Tamsin Hyland, Partner

Contract drafting has been brass tacks for lawyers since the dawn of time. In its broadest terms, it involves putting the scope of a bargain reached between parties into clear and effective language.

Storm Babet, flooding and the insurance implications

Published on 24 Oct 2023. By Victoria Sherratt, Partner and Andrew Roper, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Subtropical cyclone Storm Babet is currently responsible for over 350 flood warnings in the UK, with more flood warnings expected later this week.

Getting to know Global Access Lawyers

Published on 09 Oct 2023. By Carmel Green, Partner and Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance

Global Access Lawyers brings together some of the worlds leading insurance law practices. In the following pages get to know the different law firms that make up Global Access, who we are, where we operate and the kind of work we do. We hope you find this useful to understand the international reach of Global Access.

Court of Appeal finds in favour of FSCS on scope of the Policyholder Protection Rules (PRR)

Published on 14 Sep 2023. By Tamsin Hyland, Partner

Tamsin Hyland explores the recent judgment of JR (On the application of Manchikalapati v FSCS [2023] EWCA Civ 1006) and its relevance to insurance policy wording.

What does the FRC's proposed corporate governance overhaul mean for D&O exposures?

Published on 04 Jul 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has now published the draft new UK Corporate Governance Code following the Government's requirements that it incorporate more robust internal control and prudent and effective risk management requirements. The deadline for responses to the FRC's consultation is 13 September 2023.

Accountants, auditors and actuaries beware: the FRC continues to show its teeth, as its future stands in the balance

Published on 18 Jul 2018. By Rachel Ford, Partner

In widely publicised news, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) continues to levy record high fines and has cast criticism on a number of firms. What appears to be an unforgiving stance taken by the regulator seems to come in the wake of the review into whether or not it should be disbanded, or folded into another regulatory organisation.

The future of SIPPs – FCA responds to the Work and Pensions Committee

Published on 05 Jul 2018. By Rachael Healey, Partner

A couple of weeks ago we reported on 5 pointed questions raised by the Work and Pensions Committee of the FCA in relation to the SIPP market. Those questions included whether or not the FCA was considering banning non-standard investments in SIPPs. The FCA has now responded. The response includes the FCA's views on the due diligence it expects of SIPP providers when it comes to non-standard investments.

Drones: don't fly out of bounds (legally)

Published on 27 Jul 2016.

Various commercial industries have already woken up to the myriad opportunities offered by drone technologies. Whilst the regulatory regime evolves, it is important that companies don’t fall foul of the law.

Major overhaul of UK telecoms regulation to go ahead by the end of December 2020

Published on 21 Sep 2020.

The UK still pushing ahead with implementing wide ranging European regulatory changes, but obligations for many "over the top" providers are likely to be postponed.

McDonald's BIG MAC trade mark – General Court gives decision on evidence of genuine use

Published on 30 Jul 2024. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Emma Dunnill, Senior Associate and Harpreet Kaur, Associate

In a decision that, practically, provides for only a tiny loss of protection for the behemoth brand and trade mark, on 5 June 2024 the European General Court (General Court) partially revoked McDonald's BIG MAC trade mark (the EUTM) in the EU (Supermac's (Holdings) Ltd v EUIPO (Case T 58/23)).

Sky Kick Back! High Court finding of bad faith overturned by Court of Appeal in long-running Sky v Skykick saga

Published on 09 Aug 2021. By Ben Mark, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner

On 26 July 2021, the Court of Appeal (CoA) handed down its much-anticipated decision in the latest instalment of the Sky v Skykick trade mark dispute.

Landmark case sees trade mark specifications cut down on grounds of bad faith.

Published on 29 Apr 2020. By Ben Mark, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner

Today, the High Court handed down judgment in Sky v SkyKick. The judgment follows the CJEU's 29 January 2020 decision, which answered various questions that the High Court had referred to it, back in June 2018.

COVID-19 prompts changes to working arrangements for the Court of Justice of the European Union

Published on 09 Apr 2020. By Louise Morgan, Senior Associate

Prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CJEU announced, on 19 March 2020, that it will be temporarily changing its working arrangements.

COVID-19 and Commercial Tenants' Rights Regarding Rent

Published on 25 Mar 2020. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner

This blog sets out various issues for commercial tenants to consider in relation to impending rent payments and government intervention in response to Covid-19. We are currently fielding numerous enquiries from tenants seeking advice about whether rent holidays, reductions and other concessions can be obtained in these unprecedented times.

All change: What will a Labour government mean for financial services?

Published on 05 Jul 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner and Matthew Watson, Partner and Ash Daniells, Senior Associate and Andrew Oberholzer, Senior Associate and Heather Buttifant, Associate

What does a new Labour government mean for the management liability market?

Published on 05 Jul 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Matthew Watson, Partner and Andrew Oberholzer, Senior Associate and Zoe Melegari, Senior Associate and Kim Wright, Senior Associate

We have a new government and the first Labour government for 14 years. What does it mean for the management liability market? We look at what Labour has promised and with that the areas those in the market will want to consider across directors and officers, employment liability and pensions.

FCA announces thematic review of retirement income advice

Published on 01 Mar 2023. By Faheem Pervez, Associate and Patrick Barclay, Associate

The pension freedom reforms changed the way consumers access their retirement funds. This FCA thematic review will put firms under the spotlight with a focus on how the retirement income advice market is functioning in response to changing consumer needs in the current economic downturn.

FCA responds to criticism of the Public Accounts Committee when it comes to BSPS with rejection of suggestion it should reconsider a wider defined benefit transfer review

Published on 03 Oct 2022. By Rachael Healey, Partner

In a July blog I reported on the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report entitled "Investigation into the British Steele Pension Scheme". The blog set out a number of recommendations of the Committee in light of its investigations into the FCA's conduct and regulatory oversight of BSPS and, in particular, the 7,834 members that transferred out of BSPS into a personal pension scheme. We have now had a sneak preview of the FCA's response in the recent Committee minutes. Here's what the FCA had to say.

FCA Review of AML failings at challenger banks

Published on 27 May 2022. By James Wickes, Partner and Amber Slumbers, Associate

Throughout 2021, the FCA conducted a detailed review into the financial crime controls of challenger banks as they continued to enter the UK financial industry at a rapid pace. Their surge in popularity is partially linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has prompted significant changes in the habits of service providers worldwide. Whilst the FCA's review indicated some evidence of good practice, it is clear that challenger banks must do more to reduce the significant risks of financial crime occurring both at the time of customer onboarding and throughout the subsequent customer journey.

FCA consults on British Steel redress scheme

Published on 22 Dec 2021. By David Allinson, Partner

The FCA intends to open consultation on an industry wide redress scheme covering British Steel Pension transfers. This is perhaps the only option left for the regulator, but a redress scheme will heap further pressure on an area of the advice industry that is already under fire.

FCA looks to tighten up appointed representative regime

Published on 08 Dec 2021. By George Smith, Partner

On Friday the FCA published a consultation paper on potential changes to the existing appointed representative (AR) regime.

FOS proposals to clear the back-log - attractive or not?

Published on 18 Oct 2021. By Cory Gilbert-Haworth, Associate and Rachael Healey, Partner

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has proposed a temporary approach to the classification of certain complaints in an attempt to alleviate their complaints backlog exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The approach could see firms looking to pro-actively resolve complaints before a defined cut off date before FOS reaches a decision so that the complaint is recorded separately and not as a "change in outcome" (i.e. where a complaint has been rejected by a business and upheld by FOS). The consultation was open for a short two-week period between 4 and 18 October 2021.

FCA set to expand climate-related reporting rules

Published on 17 May 2021. By James Parsons, Associate and Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The FCA has revealed it will consult on plans to require asset managers, life insurers and FCA-regulated pension schemes to meet climate-related disclosure rules. In doing so, the FCA is expanding the scope of firms required to report on climate-related risks in accordance with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).