The event began with a presentation from Giles Ferin, Planning Law Solicitor, at Sherrards. Giles presented a history of the evolution of planning legislation, focusing on the early days of the coalition government through to the Housing and Planning Bill 2016.

Giles was then followed by Matthew Wood, Director – Planning & Development, at Lambert Smith Hampton. Matthew presented a local take on planning and housing numbers, the duty to co-operate, office to residential permitted development rights and impacts on employment stock. He then identified the opportunities arising from the interplay of these elements and questioned whether the function of settlements in Hertfordshire is fundamentally changing.

REAL is a networking group aimed at property professionals across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The events are sponsored and hosted by WMT Chartered Accountants, Lambert Smith Hampton and Sherrards Solicitors.