As businesses start to work out how to repair the economic damage caused by lockdown many are looking at ways to release capital from their balance sheets as an alternative to traditional financing routes. One option open to owner occupiers of real estate assets is a sale and leaseback, where an asset is sold (for … Read more
In light of the restrictions on movement imposed by the Public Health (Coronavirus) (England) Regulations 2020, last week the government issued some guidance aimed primarily at owners and operators of public places in England (Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer Public Places – Urban Centres and Green Spaces (13 May 2020)). The guidance has no legal impact and … Read more
On 28 February, we reported that, in a unanimous decision, the Court of Appeal held in R (on the application of Plan B Earth and others) v Secretary of State for Transport [2020] EWCA Civ 214 that government policy in relation to the expansion of Heathrow Airport was unlawful. This was on the ground that … Read more
COVID-19 has proved to be a catalyst for changes to the planning system designed to respond to the rapidly changing economic climate. The government this week published guidance on postponing payments of developer contributions such as planning obligations and CIL in order to alleviate one of the obvious obstacles to development coming forward. What kind … Read more
The Government’s decision that it will temporarily ban landlords from serving statutory demands or issuing winding up petitions has sent shockwaves through much of the investment property market. In a press release on 23 April 2020, the Government announced that statutory demands served on “companies” between 1 March and 30 June 2020, and winding-up petitions … Read more
Updated April 22, 2020 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) 2020 (the Regulations), made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, required the closure of certain businesses and venues, and also restricted the trade which can be conducted at other types of premises. Furthermore, some tenants of commercial premises have made their own … Read more
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, more people are in need of urgent medical attention. This has put immense pressure on the NHS. The ExCeL exhibition centre, which normally plays host to lifestyle shows, expos and conferences, has already been converted into the temporary NHS Nightingale Hospital with space for up to 4,000 beds, … Read more
In light of the new measures put in place by the UK government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many projects are being assessed to determine whether they can continue or whether work should pause. Local authorities are putting in place appropriate measures for their areas to protect the health and safety of the public … Read more
This week, offices, schools and public places are being closed in response to COVID-19. Herbert Smith Freehills continues to provide a full client service, with our teams mostly working remotely but, as with all businesses, those involved in planning are trying to work out the best ways to continue with projects and what accommodations need … Read more
