Legal wrap: ESG in leases, online sales tax and shipping containers for retail

Welcome to your weekly round-up of the pick of the content published on EG Legal. The plight of the high street is frequently discussed, and this week is no exception – EG Legal has a pair of fresh perspectives to share. First, a review of the government’s recently closed consultation on the introduction of an online sales tax, and how that might help level the playing field for bricks-and-mortar retailers. Then, how about imaginative use of shipping containers for retail and leisure developments? We have a look at some of the important considerations involved. Other topics include an overhaul of public procurement and how leases can focus on the S in ESG. Legal news Millionaire property developer loses court case with classic car transporter Developer Paul Knapfield awarded $20,000 for £2m of damage and devaluation to two sports cars Sydenham Hill residents seek second judicial review of Lewisham’s development plans Residents oppose plans for 110 homes opposite a conservation area Legal features Retail revolution: thinking outside the box Jennifer Ayris and Erica Snellgrove ask: can imaginative use of shipping containers help save our high streets? Online sales tax can level up retail John Webber outlines Colliers’ response to the government’s consultation on an online sales tax View from the bar: The value of independent expertise As Guy Fetherstonhaugh QC and Oliver Radley-Gardner QC put it, surely the time has come for lease renewal valuation disputes to be determined by valuers? Why ESG in leasing models should focus on the ‘social’ Kirsty Black addresses how leases should be drafted for socially trading tenants Getting to grips with procurement Will Sparks explores the implications of the government’s overhaul of public procurement Legal notes: Service of notices – context is key Louise Clark analyses the High Court’s most recent exploration of the “reasonable recipient” test Practice points FTT’s decision set aside in boundary dispute Cattermole v Jordan and others Catalogue of errors leads to dismissal of application for interim Code rights EE Ltd and another v 100 Nox SARL Covenants: what is it that they actually prevent? HAE Developments Ltd v The Croft Ealing Ltd HMO: proactively policing compliance with mandatory licensing conditions Maharaj v Liverpool City Council No power to extend time under section 107E of the Housing Act 1985 R (on the application of Kalonga) v Croydon London Borough Council Case summaries Pretoria Energy Company (Chittering) Ltd v Blankney Estates Ltd Landlord and tenant – Contract – Repudiation Dickinson v Adams and another Land – Restrictive covenant – Modification Maharaj v Liverpool City Council House in multiple occupation – Licensing scheme – Civil penalty EE Ltd and another v 100 Nox SARL Telecommunications – Electronic Communications Code – Interim Code rights   For more legal articles and to search our extensive archive, visit EG Legal  To send feedback, e-mail jess.harrold@eg.co.uk or tweet @EGPropertyNews