Holt Commercial Directors Peter Holt and David Allen gave their expert view on two key topics as part of an online seminar with leading Midlands law firm Wright Hassall.
 

Peter and David were asked to speak alongside Bhavika Mistry, an associate in Wright Hassall’s real estate department, and John Gregory, Wright Hassall’s head of planning.

The two main topics of discussion during the hour-long event, which saw around 100 professionals from across the West Midlands region in attendance, were the pros and cons of sale and leaseback; and a discussion around the recent changes to the Use Classes Order.

David Allen said “It was a very good session with Wright Hassall and there was a very strong attendance which was pleasing.  I covered the topic of sale and leaseback and why it might be used, some of the areas to consider and, of course, the fact that it is always best to use a qualified surveyor in any deal of this nature.”

Peter Holt said “The legal changes to the Use Classes Order means that previous groupings of property types for planning purposes have been altered and that affects whether changing the use of certain properties will require planning permission.  The idea behind the changes is to simplify the process but, some of the anomalies that it has brought about could lead to more questions than answers. 
 

We were delighted to work with Wright Hassall on this event and it certainly provided plenty of food for thought.”
 

The full event and transcript can be viewed here: https://www.wrighthassall.co.uk/knowledge-base/sales-and-leasebacks-and-the-changes-to-the-planning-use-classes-order