All Insights

Commercial

Contract formation in the digital age: English High Court finds binding agreement formed via WhatsApp messages

The case is a cautionary tale about the use of informal communication channels when negotiating agreements
The Built Environment

WhatsApp construction contract held to be binding in English law

Case acts as a reminder of the importance of formalising contracts and actively managing them
The Built Environment

Boost for housing and infrastructure in UK government spending review

Significant cash injection allocated, with more detail for the built environment sector expected in the forthcoming infrastructure and industrial strategies
Real estate

UK Supreme Court rules against landowners seeking to restrict campers' rights on Dartmoor

Ruling held that 'open-air recreation' included camping in areas not designated as campsites
Energy and Energy Transition

Government proposes mandatory community benefit and shared ownership schemes to support its clean energy goals in Great Britain

Working paper seeks views on scope and approaches to take to support low carbon energy infrastructure and renewable energy generation
Regulatory and compliance

European Commission publishes new single market strategy to further develop the European market

Proposal to ease burdens on smaller businesses and lift barriers to trade and investment likely to have positive impact on
The Building Safety Act

UK Supreme Court decides landmark Building Safety Act case

Judgment has wide-ranging ramifications for developers, builders, architects, designers and consultants
Real estate

First-Tier Tribunal addresses disproportionate legal and professional costs in UK Code litigation

The decision highlights the increasing costs sought by site providers and the need for sensible expense management
Real estate

UK Upper Tribunal dismisses appeal of Covent Garden and rules in favour of Cornerstone

Ruling reinforces established practice that nominal consideration is appropriate for multi-skilled visit agreements
Infrastructure

UK Planning and Infrastructure Bill amendments and policy updates to further streamline consenting process

Developers will welcome the removal of consultation and authorisation rules but will need to ensure community engagement
The Built Environment

UK sanctions regime puts property sector under scrutiny as letting agents face new obligations

New rules and OFSI concerns mean firms will need to take steps to improve compliance and avoid the risk of
Regulatory Outlook

Environment | UK Regulatory Outlook April 2025

Environment Agency consultation on charging sewerage undertakers for enforcement | Joint consultation on reforms to the Environmental Permitting Regime |