In a recent planning appeal relating to the proposed development of 115 privately rented dwellings the Inspector found that the private management of the affordable units rather than management by a Registered Provider did not conflict with the development plan and so allowed the appeal. 

Government proposals to reform the shared ownership model include all new leases being granted for 990 years instead of the current 99 or 125 years.

In this High Court case the judge stated that "whilst affordable housing is generally desirable in policy terms, it does not follow that more affordable housing is always desirable without limit".

West Devon Borough have backed the move of giving those living in rented properties thousands of pounds if they downsize. The aim is to tackle a shortage of affordable housing for families.

On 8 October 2021, the government updated the draft legislation for the residential property developer tax (RPDT), which is to apply from 1 April 2022, to include an exemption for non-profit housing companies.

Government proposals to reform the shared ownership model include all new leases being granted for 990 years instead of the current 99 or 125 years.

The Building Regulations etc (Amendment) (England) (No 2) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/1392) were laid before Parliament on 15 December 2021 and come into force on 15 June 2022.

From 30 September 2021 certain Civil and Family Court fees in England and Wales have increased. The reason for the increase? Largely, to keep fees in line with inflation.

On the 9 September 2021 the Environment Act 2021 became law and includes provisions to establish a set of statutory environmental principles and ensure environmental governance through an environmental watchdog, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP). It also includes environmental provisions relating to waste, air, water and biodiversity.

Residential landlords will be able to seek possession on pre-pandemic notice periods from 1 October 2021, but need to keep alert to changes as economic or public health challenges may see timelines extended once again to protect tenants. 

As we move into the school holidays, we are seeing an increase in instructions for removing unauthorised encampments from land. Given the lack of affordable housing, traveller sites and, now, holiday accommodation in hot spot areas, we expect to see a big rise in unauthorised encampments across popular visitor sites.

Following the continued support for tenants from the Government as Covid restrictions ease, the new notice periods have now come into force.