Built environment brief

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the critical themes of stewardship and placemaking in new town developments. Host Anna Aldous is joined by SallyAnne Logan (Community Stewardship Solutions) and Katy Lock (Town and Country Planning Association). They explore the meaning of stewardship, its distinction from placemaking, and its importance in long-term community development. The conver...

In this episode, Samuel Maw speaks to James Hordern about the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May – the biggest shake up of the private rented sector since 1989. They cover the end of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, the move to periodic tenancies, new rules on rent, discrimination and rent in advance. They also explore what a more complex possession process means for landlords and tena...

In this episode, Richard New, real estate partner at Mills & Reeve, is joined by Richard Roberts, chartered surveyor and managing director at Roberts Vain Wilshaw. Together, they unpack a major shift in how the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is assessing business rates for serviced office buildings. They discuss the impact of the Ludgate House decision and “paramount control”, the loss of small...

In this episode, Beverley Firth (planning lawyer at Mills & Reeve) sits down with and Paul Bristow (mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority) to discuss his vision for growth in the region. Paul talks us through his ambitions for the region’s future. He outlines his new growth plan, the infrastructure and political alignment and collaboration needed to deliver it (from both...

Anna Aldous is joined by construction engineer and proptech startup founder Nathan Reid, Urban&Civic and Morero. They discuss how technology interacts with the construction industry and what opportunities there are to make further progress. Is it a case of an outright replacement of a labour force by technology? What’s the future role for consultants in advising on the built environment sector...

Welcome to Mills & Reeve’s “Built environment brief”, our new podcast exploring the stories behind transforming spaces into great places. In the first episode, Anna Aldous is joined by our newly appointed sector leader and real estate partner, Carina Davis, and our head of affordable housing, Namita Matkar. Together, they discuss the evolving built environment, our real estate sector rebrand,...