United Kingdom: Land Law & Agriculture

The UK's new National Planning Policy Framework represents the most significant overhaul of planning policy in decades, introducing streamlined rules and stronger support for rural landowners seeking to modernise farms, diversify operations, or develop their land. From explicit presumptions in favour of agricultural development to enhanced protections for water infrastructure and expanded green belt permissions...

The UK government has introduced the most significant overhaul of national planning policy in decades through a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), fundamentally shifting the balance towards sustainable development and housing delivery. While the changes create stronger presumptions in favour of appropriately located development—particularly near transport hubs and on grey belt land—they maintain...

Explore recent developments in Scottish land reform, community ownership rights, timber transport funding, and key legal cases affecting landowners. These insights examine practical implications...

The agricultural sector faces the highest rate of non-fatal injuries among all measured industries, with 28 work-related fatalities recorded in 2024/25. This analysis examines the primary causes of farm accidents—from livestock attacks to machinery incidents—and outlines the legal duties placed on landowners and employers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, while providing practical risk mitigation strategies to prevent workplace injuries and protect both workers and the public.

Petra Grunenberg, Head of Rural Property and Business at Shepherd and Wedderburn, discusses the mounting challenges facing Scotland's rural sector as legislative changes converge with political uncertainty. With inheritance tax reforms, land reform legislation, and subsidy scheme overhauls all progressing simultaneously, she explains why rural business owners must seek professional advice now rather than wait for clarity.

Climate change is reshaping Scotland's water landscape, making riparian rights—the legal rights of landowners over rivers flowing through their property—increasingly important for developers and property owners. This article explores the complex framework of Scottish water law, from ancient Roman origins to modern hydroelectric schemes, and examines how competing interests over this finite resource may lead to future legal reforms.

Agricultural tenancy law is due a review, according to a Law Commission announcement in September. While the process of changing the law takes time, now would be a good opportunity for agricultural landlords to reflect...

Despite politics, ESG remains a strategic imperative for businesses with long-term ambitions. The risk of stranded assets is just one issue that underscores...

The Building Safety Levy (the Levy), described by Government as a tax on new residential buildings, will come into effect in England on 1 October 2026.