'This is the worst planning environment we’ve had to face in a generation'
A "toxic combination of factors" has created the "worst planning environment in a generation", says Aston Mead boss Adam Hesse, as local authority plans are delayed yet again...

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!
Planning Reform & Levelling Up: What is the government planning to do this year?
Last year's "radical" Planning Bill is long gone, replaced with watered-down reforms that promise local referenda on planning decisions and a few other tweaks.
Opening of Parliament heralds planning and rental reforms
There's not a lot of detail to go on, but early property industry reactions to the latest proposed planning reforms have been less than positive.
Short lets could need planning permission under new devolution proposal
"I understand that regional mayors may soon be given the power to ban properties from being used as short-term lets," writes James Forsyth, political editor of The Spectator, in The Times.
Companies in this article
Aston MeadMost read
‘Almost mythical’ Chelsea estate could be worth £250mn-plus, says luxury broker
Nest Seekers International’s Ali Khadir weighs in on significance - and speculative value - of landmark property in SW3, as billionaire owner voices disillusionment with UK.
£15mn Clarges Mayfair apartment sparks global bidding war
The trophy residence overlooking Green Park sold sight unseen for ‘well above’ asking.
Luxury property brokerage adds two more big-hitters in PCL
Alex Bourne & Danny Daniel join United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, the latest additions to its growing team in the capital.
In Memoriam: London estate agency legend Tim Maskell, 1938-2025
'Tim’s legacy in the property market continues,' says Maskells' MD.
By PrimeResi
Seismic Shifts, 2000-2025: The global events that moved the needle on London’s prime property market
Cathy Hawker explores how the fluctuating fortunes of Prime Central London can be tied to major international economic events of the past 25 years.
By Cathy Hawker
In Pictures: B&B Italia Group’s Maxalto designs ‘iconic’ Whiteley Clock Tower apartment
Clocking in at £24mn, The Whiteley's latest 'Designer Collection' apartment marks a European first for the 50-year-old interiors brand.
By PrimeResi
Prime London 25: Introducing a PrimeResi Special Report
The evolution of London's luxury property market, 2000-2025: Our 75-page report charts a truly transformative period for both the property market & the prime residential industry.
By PrimeResi
Boutique private office appoints Beauchamp’s Finch to lead property division
Paul Finch has joined Liberty Rock after nearly 20 years with super-prime agency Beauchamp Estates.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: St John’s Wood Police Station reworked as ‘design-led rental concept’
Gabriel Chipperfield's design & development studio Wendover repurposes a 'much-loved' neighbourhood building for modern living.
UK set for record wealth exodus in 2025
This is a 'pivotal moment' in global wealth migration, says Henley & Partners as Britain 'leads the world in millionaire outflow'.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Ranked: The world’s most valuable housing markets in 2025
Global property values have fallen in US dollar terms, despite most markets seeing growth when measured in local currencies.
By PrimeResi
Industry Reactions: Mortgage lending bounces back from April’s slump
Fresh Bank of England data on mortgage approvals show increased activity in May - but 'are broadly consistent with a property market treading water,' comments Simon Gammon of Knight Frank Finance.
By PrimeResi
Propertymark installs new presidential teams
Mary-Lou Press & Megan Eighteen step up to represent the sales & lettings industries.
By PrimeResi
UK luxury design & build firm expands into the Middle East
NU Projects has teamed up with Italy's Triade Interiors on the new venture.
UK housing market faces a smoother ride in second half of 2025 – Knight Frank
As tariff turbulence appears to have peaked and the stamp duty disruption fades, the main risk over the next six months is the autumn Budget, explains the agency's UK resi research boss Tom Bill.
By Tom Bill