Small site planning delays are stalling the engine of UK development
Unacceptable delays - sometimes lasting a year or more - are forcing individual building projects to be abandoned, slowing UK development, and putting small and medium-sized firms out of business, says Adam Hesse...

Adam Hesse is Director at Aston Mead Land & Planning. Having worked in estate agency for 28 years, and in land and development for the last 15 years, Adam has the drive and experience to get the best deal for his client – and usually does!
Rules of Construction: Tales from the planning front line
From the recent case in Leicestershire involving a house hidden behind a fake garage door, to the hoo-ha in Kensington over a 'candy-cane' paint job, Clive Moys talks us through some memorable recent breaches…
By Clive Moys
A Sense of Emergency: How well is the planning system responding to the climate crisis?
224 local authorities across England have declared a climate emergency since 2018, but it’s become clear that the act of making a declaration doesn’t necessarily signal any significant change in policies……
Pass on the parcel: End the sale of ‘pipe dream’ land
Aston Mead's Land & Planning Director Adam Hesse is calling for ban on the sale of "pipe dream" parcels of land to naïve investors who hope to build homes on them.
By Adam Hesse
Companies in this article
Aston MeadMost read
Interview: New UK Sotheby’s International Realty MD Alex Isidro on what’s next for the luxury brokerage
PrimeResi quizzes the high-profile real estate agency's recently-appointed boss about bumper sales figures, brand-building, and why this business is 'all about people, not property'.
£22mn penthouse sold in £50mn deal spree at top-end Kensington scheme
Lodha confirms launch date for next sales phase at Holland Park Gate following another run of big-ticket transactions.
Government proposes the ‘biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history’
Consultations have opened into significant & wide-ranging reforms that promise to 'rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership.'
By PrimeResi
‘Landmark’ townhouse sale concluded in Chelsea
'Discerning buyers are focusing on best-in-class assets', says agency, confirming sale of near-£28mn trophy home as part of £100mn deal run.
London Square gears up to launch sales at landmark heritage conversion project
Ambitious transformation of former Surrey County Council HQ is to deliver 264 new homes, with completion set for 2027.
Country house guru Sweeting joins high-end valuation firm
Longstanding Knight Frank figure has taken up a consultant role at James Wyatt's Parthenia.
Seven key themes in the global branded residences sector
From standalone towers to wellness-led living, these are the big trends shaping luxury branded residences worldwide.
Influential committee calls for ‘major reform of the whole property tax system’
'The case for major reform of the whole property tax system – from Stamp Duty Land Tax to Inheritance Tax to Council Tax and VAT – is almost unarguable,' says Sir Vince Cable.
By PrimeResi
Luxury developer Amara Property adds Sales & Acquisitions Director
Warren Leader has joined Rutu Buddhdev's team.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.
LATEST ARTICLES
Property industry reactions: Tories pledge to ‘abolish’ Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty is 'bad tax, an un-Conservative tax', says Kemi Badenoch.
By PrimeResi
Blue Book partners with French heritage property agency
Specialist agency announces first international tie-up, creating 'a joint Anglo-French platform for historically & architecturally significant property.'
By PrimeResi
Beyond interior design: St George MD on rethinking the role of the showhome
Marcus Blake talks us through the Berkeley Group developer's new creative direction, and shows off its first completed in-house design effort.
By Marcus Blake
In Pictures: 180-year-old St John’s Wood villa seeking £16.95mn
Agency lists rare 'generational' home on Cavendish Avenue, one of NW London's top resi addresses.
Helen Green Design names new studio director
Joanna Benton steps up at the Chelsea-based luxury interior design firm.