Four Thoughts: The UK planning system enters a new virtual reality
'It’s unfortunate that it has taken a global pandemic for the system to finally move into the 21st century'

Written by
PrimeResi Pundits
Including: Assael Architecture, Bidwells, Irwin Mitchell & Perkins and Will at
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PrimeResi is the Journal of Luxury Property. The leading news, opinion & insight resource for the UK's prime residential property industry.
‘There should not be a fast track for beauty’: Betts Committee reports on The Future of the Planning System in England
"The government’s aim of developing a planning system that enables buildings to be built more quickly and with greater input from local communities is welcome, but it is far from clear how the current…
By PrimeResi
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
Rethinking the planning system: Downing Street to consider ‘wholesale reform’
Influential think tank Policy Exchange has published a blueprint for the "urgent wholesale reform" of the planning system, calling for a "clean break" with the current regime.
By PrimeResi
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Trio of heavyweight Chestertons agents join Azar’s growing brokerage in PCL
Top-billing sales pros Rowland King, George Smith & Matthew Chard have signed to UK Sotheby's International Realty.
By PrimeResi
Deal sealed on landmark Georgian mansion in West London
The Grade I listed Walpole House on Chiswick Mall was asking £12mn and sparked competitive bidding.
‘The government got it wrong’: Prime property insiders react to non-dom U-turn rumours
UPDATED: Key inheritance tax rule 'under review' amid wave of high-profile departures, reports suggest.
LonRes Awards 2025: The Winners
London's top dealmakers were recognised at the firm's 25-year anniversary bash in Belgrave Square on Wednesday night.
Michael Caine’s former Oxfordshire estate listed for £10mn
Bucolic retreat with 600 feet of Thames frontage offers 'a true Swallows and Amazons lifestyle', say agents.
LonRes founders Carrington & Payne on 25 years in the prime London property arena
A personal view of how Prime Central London has evolved since the turn of the century, by William Carrington & Anthony Payne - who founded LonRes in the year 2000.
£15mn price tag for turnkey Mayfair townhouse with Omani royal provenance
Former private family office HQ on Chesterfield Hill has been transformed into one of the finest homes in the area, say agents.
Super-prime developer shells out c.$100mn for trophy Dubai plot
25 Degrees is planning to create five top-end villas on the rare undeveloped parcel on Palm Jumeirah.
Inside Branded Residences: Six top operators reveal the secrets of successful schemes
Chris Graham of Graham Associates takes a deep dive into the branded residential sector, gaining fascinating insights from senior figures at leading operators Accor, Four Seasons, Hilton, Kerzner, Marriott…
By PrimeResi
Reuben Brothers brings in boutique agency for One Carrington sales push
Luxury specialist OB Private joins the teamsheet at newly completed apartment scheme in Mayfair's midst.
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Charted: The evolution of London’s prime property market, 2000-2025
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Investor swoops on pair of Knightsbridge apartment buildings
Boutique PCL agencies collaborate on big-ticket deal just around the corner from Harrods.
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Berkeley’s St William releases final Prince of Wales Drive apartments
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