Our Special Guest this week is Kathryn Ventham, Senior Director at Twenty5 Planning.

Kathryn is a Chartered Town Planner with 25 years experience specialising in strategic land promotion and mixed use/residential led development. She is a leading advisor in respect of matters relating to flood risk sequential testing - working with Counsel and government bodies in this regard.

Latest News Update since we were last on the air.

A Court of Appeal Decision related to the Bell Hotel in Epping. The appeal was brought by Somani Hotels Limited against Epping Forest District Council. At the previous hearing on 15 August 2025 before the judge, the Council sought an interim injunction requiring Somani to stop using or permitting the use of the Hotel for accommodating asylum seekers or for using the Hotel for any use other than as a hotel until the trial of the claim.

A Decision of the SoS regarding an expansion of Sky Studios in Elstree including a film and television production studio (use Class E(g)(ii)) with ancillary floorspace, backlot, 7 new access arrangements, car parking, landscaping, infrastructure and associated works. The appeal was made by Sky Studios Ltd and Legal and General Investment Managment against a prior refusal by Hertsmere Borough Council.

A Decision of the SoS involving planning permission for demolition and preparation works on the site of Brighton Gasworks brought by St William Homes LLP. Works outlined included: a comprehensive mixed-use redevelopment comprising site preparation and enabling works, demolition of existing buildings and structures; provision of new buildings comprising residential use (Use Class C3) and flexible non-residential floorspace (Use Class E), new private and communal amenity space.

A Decision of the SoS refusing planning permission for 148 dwellings in Reading, Berkshire. The appeal was made by Wates Developments Ltd against a previous refusal by Wokingham Borough Council. This was a second inquiry after a previous grant of permission was quashed by the High Court. Issues raised in the appeal include: the effect of the development upon the character and appearance of the countryside; the effect upon surface drainage; the safety and wellbeing of future residents of the proposed development, and the wider public, with regard to the proximity of the Atomic Weapons Establishment site at Burghfield (AWE(B)); and the future capability and capacity of AWE(B) to operate effectively.

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