Shoosmiths

Very few in Scotland’s real estate sector are currently satisfied with the existing planning system. The question then is how best to alleviate the issues that currently challenge the public and private sector parties with an interest in this key industry. Lee Murphy, a planning consultan

With the transitional period for existing businesses to apply for a short-term lets licence coming to an end this week, Shoosmiths real estate lawyer Kirsten Belk assesses the new regime and its wider impact. Last year, Scotland’s local authorities were given new powers by

Ahead of a panel discussion event next week, Rachel Munro, examines why for housebuilders, planners and local authorities, heat networks promise to increasingly be a hot topic in the months and years to come. It need not be overstated that Scotland doesn’t have the best weather and despit

Shoosmiths has been appointed to Avant Homes’ Scottish legal panel. The appointment sees the law firm extend its relationship with the UK housebuilder after securing a place on Avant’s England and Wales legal panel in 2021.

Real estate can lead the way in shaping how we want to live and work in the post-pandemic future, write Janette Speed, head of real estate and head of office in Scotland at law firm Shoosmiths. According to a recent survey, post-Brexit Britain is considered a prime real estate proposition by investo

Fraser Mitchell writes about proposed technical changes to Scottish Planning Policy and the relevant Scottish Government consultation. In July, the Scottish Government published a consultation on what it describes as a “technical amendment” to Scottish Planning Policy (SPP). The consulta

Stuart Murray, one of Almond Housing Association's (AHA) founding board members, is stepping down after 25 years of service to the organisation. The West Lothian-based association said that Stuart has been a tremendous resource for the association and has played an instrumental role in guiding its m

Fraser Mitchell, planning partner at law firm Shoosmiths in Edinburgh, warns that the Scottish Government must act on new legislation or an opportunity might disappear into the sunset. The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 has arrived following the most recent review of the Scottish planning system. In a

With less than two months to respond to Graham Simpson MSP’s Proposed New-Build Homes (Buyer Protection) (Scotland) members Bill, Harry C. Smith, partner and head of housebuilder & construction at Gillespie Macandrew LLP, shares his views. There have been a number of attempts down the year

Matthew Stimson Matthew Stimson, a senior associate in the planning team at Shoosmiths, considers the ramifications of the Stage 1 Report on the Planning (Scotland) Bill.

Robin Mitchell As the third anniversary (April) of the introduction of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) approaches, Robin Mitchell offers a timely reminder of tenants’ responsibilities.