MORNING NEWS: Retail ventures and planning measures

In the news this morning, Intu is reported to be in talks to sell a 50% stake in its Derby shopping centre — a deal that would test the market for retail property. Also today, organisations ranging from the Royal Institute of British Architects to the Local Government Association are urging the government to reconsider measures that enable homes to be built outside the planning system. And from EG, the Law Commission is consulting on proposed changes that would make it quicker and easier for leaseholders to take control of the day-to-day management of their building. NEWS ROUND-UP: Gove and Grainger talk rubbish Five things you might have missed last week London property transactions drop to decade low Hilton revs up expansion of UK hotel chain Addison Lee sons in drive to reap £20m from HQ sale M&S asks Ocado if it can deliver the goods Green belt under threat from 200,000 new houses