BPF welcomes Raynsford's 'commendable' planning review - but raises a few concerns
Former Housing Minister Nick Raynsford published his comprehensive review of the planning system in England earlier this week, outlining a series of ways in which the current 'chaotic patchwork' can be made fit for purpose for the coming decade. It's a "well reasoned" report, says The British Property Federation's Chief Exec, but some proposals could do with more work...

Melanie Leech joined the British Property Federation in 2015, following nine years as Director General of the Food and Drink Federation. She began her working life as a Police Constable in the Metropolitan Police Service. Leech joined HM Customs in 1988 and subsequently held senior roles in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Office of the Rail Regulator and the Cabinet Office. Her role is to champion UK real estate and to promote a sustainable partnership between governments and the sector to deliver a high quality built environment.
Raynsford Review: A 24-point plan to fix the ‘chaotic patchwork’ planning system
"Planning in England is less effective than at any time in the post-war era", declares Nick Raynsford's team in the first comprehensive review of the planning system for a generation
By PrimeResi
Planning nod for Southwark ‘Art House’ boutique development
Corner building on Melior Place will create a new art gallery plus seven residential apartments
By PrimeResi
Westminster planning chief steps aside over property developer ‘freebie’ allegations
Robert Davis denies any wrongdoing; Westminster Council has launched an inquiry to look at how planning decisions are made
By PrimeResi
Companies in this article
British Property FederationMost read
Big-brand super-prime brokerage names new MD; reveals bumper H1 results
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty says it racked up nearly £600mn in sales during the first half of 2025.
Interiors lead appointed at super-prime Pimlico scheme
'Landmark' One Bessborough Gardens project is transforming a former Government spy agency HQ overlooking the Thames.
London property market more split than it has been since Brexit – Knight Frank
Agency flags significant divergence in prices and deal volumes between PCL and POL amid ‘summer of speculation.'
From Manhattan to Mayfair via Miami: Where the world’s $30m+ set call home
New research charts the cities with the largest UHNW residential footprints, revealing shifting second-home trends and emerging luxury hotspots.
Rosewood elevates luxury resi ambitions with senior hire
'Residential business is our strategic development focus,' says CEO of global hospitality group, as top-end specialist joins to drive next growth chapter.
Treasury eyes Autumn IHT & CGT hikes
Reports suggest the government 'is trying to work out how it can tap into the vast wave of wealth that will be transferred from baby boomers when they die.'
By PrimeResi
The Times: How a British estate agent conquered New York
Katrina Burroughs meets 'the rising star of the Big Apple’s real estate scene' ahead of the new season of hit Netflix show Owning Manhattan, in this piece for The Times.
Mayfair specialist joins Harding Green in Hertfordshire
Kitty Halley previously worked at Wetherell and Savills.
By PrimeResi
Irish developer Ronan ‘exploring a return to London’ following landmark Dublin deal
Johnny Ronan's Ronan Group - which once had grand plans for Battersea Power Station - is 'actively pursuing opportunities as it charts a course back into the UK market'.
By PrimeResi
From Acquisitions to AI: How Polly Ogden Duffy is future-proofing John D Wood & Co
Inside the strategic moves, market insights, and bold ambitions shaping one of the best-known brands in prime property.
LATEST ARTICLES
Major prime agency installs new lettings boss
Daniel Fisher will lead the 153-year-old firm's lettings business into its 'next chapter'.
In Pictures: Inside Echlin’s country house debut in the Cotswolds
Boutique design firm shows off its first interiors project outside of London - delivering 'subtle luxury' for a Singaporean family in Oxfordshire.
By PrimeResi
‘Fierce competition’ in SW London sees renters bid above asking
'75% of family houses were let at the asking price or above on the first viewing' in July, reports Savills.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.
Four Seasons to launch standalone resi project in Abu Dhabi
Collaboration with asset manager Alain on Saadiyat Island is promising to 'redefine luxury living in the UAE.'