Personal Blogs

Wedlake Bell Trainees: 8, Retained: 8, Retention Rate: 100%

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Watson Farley & Williams Trainees: 18, Retention: 16, Retention Rate: 89%

As the government wraps up a consultation on how to make property development more transparent, attention is turning to the hot topic of land banking [when developers buy land but don’t build on it for years].

With the UK facing a housing shortage and pressure to improve infrastructure, the government is introducing big changes to stop developers from sitting on land without using it. Here’s what’s changing, and what it could mean for developers and property managers.

V. What This Means for Developers

I. More risk for land hoarders: Holding on to empty land could lead to financial penalties and other costs.

II. Smarter planning needed: Developers will need clear, realistic building timelines to avoid trouble.

III. Opportunities for fast movers: Those who are ready to build quickly and efficiently may find more land on the market and could benefit from better local infrastructure funded through the new levy.

ADAPT EARLY—PLAN SMART—BUILD FAST

As the government wraps up a consultation on how to make property development more transparent, attention is turning to the hot topic of land banking [when developers buy land but don’t build on it for years].

With the UK facing a housing shortage and pressure to improve infrastructure, the government is introducing big changes to stop developers from sitting on land without using it. Here’s what’s changing, and what it could mean for developers and property managers.

III. Planning Reforms

I. Other planning changes under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 include:

II. Faster planning decisions to reduce excuses for not building.

III. Stronger powers for councils, allowing them to take over land that isn’t being used.

IV. Regular progress updates so authorities and the public can see what’s happening with approved developments.

ADAPT EARLY—PLAN SMART—BUILD FAST

As the government wraps up a consultation on how to make property development more transparent, attention is turning to the hot topic of land banking [when developers buy land but don’t build on it for years].

With the UK facing a housing shortage and pressure to improve infrastructure, the government is introducing big changes to stop developers from sitting on land without using it. Here’s what’s changing, and what it could mean for developers and property managers.

New Tools to Tackle Land Hoarding:

I. Reforms to Local Charges [CIL]

Developers have long paid the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help fund roads, schools, and other infrastructure near new builds. But critics say the system hasn’t stopped land from being left empty. Now, councils have more flexibility to set charges based on the size and type of the project, and some are adding penalties if developers delay too long.

ADAPT EARLY—PLAN SMART—BUILD FAST

The Court of Appeal heard if a UK consumer, Mr Soleymani, can challenge the validity of an arbitration clause within Nifty Gateway’s online terms after unknowingly joined in a ranked NFT auction and was pursued for his $650,000 bid.

The High Court had stayed English proceedings in favour of arbitration in New York, the Court of Appeal ruled that English courts should decide whether the arbitration agreement was null and void, inoperative, or incapable of being performed.

This outcome marked a significant step in affirming consumer rights in digital transactions and clarified post-Brexit jurisdiction over arbitration clauses in consumer contracts.

R v Hallam and Others [2025] EWCA Crim 199

The Court of Appeal reviewed the sentences imposed on five Just Stop Oil protesters who had been convicted of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance for planning to block the M25. The Court determined that the sentences were “manifestly excessive,” noting that the Crown Court had failed to account for the defendants’ conscientious motivations. While not a mitigating factor, such motivations were found to reduce culpability under common law principles. The Court also stressed that Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights—which safeguard freedom of expression and peaceful assembly—remained applicable even when a protest involved trespass or minor criminal offenses. It rejected the restrictive interpretation adopted in DPP v Cuciurean. The ruling affirmed that protest actions continue to attract some level of ECHR protection, and that sentencing in such cases must include a proportionality assessment when those rights are engaged.

Greetings,

I am  a determined Ba LLB Hons student with a passion for justice [specifically Tort Law now leaning toward Criminal Law] and orientated toward establishing a career as a solicitor, leading toward becoming a member the Bar as a barrister as an end goal. 

My interests include: chess, sudoku, neuro linguistics programming [NLP], sociology, politics, economics, psychology [namely 'what makes people tick'], going on walks, photography, music and going on drives. I am known for analytical and critical thinking with a very strong commitment to justice. 

From studying with The Open University, I hope to build and sharpen my legal expertise through highly determined academic study and practical experience. Additionally, I have previously worked as a paralegal for the debt collector Credit Style. 

Since day one of wanting to simply 'know your rights' I have developed an interest within advocacy and wish to make a positive contribution toward the legal profession, I inspire to become a member of the Bar and contribute meaningfully to the legal community. 

Kind regards,

Tyler