News & Updates
Keeping you informed. Keeping you connected.
The property, planning and development landscape is constantly evolving. From national planning reforms and local government changes to major development proposals and investment opportunities, staying informed has never been more important.
The Build South Forum brings together the latest local, regional and national industry news, alongside expert commentary, opinion pieces and thought-provoking perspectives from across the property and development sectors.
Our aim is to share knowledge, encourage informed debate and explore the opportunities and challenges shaping development across Dorset, Hampshire and the wider South of England.
Stay informed, challenge thinking and be part of the conversation.
News & Updates
Vail Williams
Education estate strategy: Repair, retrofit or rebuild?
A clear education estate strategy helps schools, academies and colleges decide which buildings to repair, retrofit or replace, and where investment will deliver the greatest long-term benefit.
https://www.vailwilliams.com/education-estate-strategy-repair-retrofit-rebuild/
What can Southampton and Portsmouth teach us about housing-led regeneration?
Across the South Coast, a new generation of regeneration projects is beginning to reshape how our towns and cities look, feel and function.
https://www.vailwilliams.com/housing-led-regeneration-southampton-portsmouth/
Dorset Industrial Property Market Outlook
Dorset’s industrial market is accelerating but structural supply gaps threaten to hold it back.
https://www.vailwilliams.com/dorset-industrial-market-demand-supply/
Shaping the future of transport property: Strategic advice key amid devolution and change
Transport devolution is reshaping property strategy. Here’s what organisations need to know.
Will £39bn affordable homes programme translate into deliverable affordable housing?
https://www.vailwilliams.com/social-affordable-homes-programme-housing-delivery/
Consult Communications
News & Updates
28th October 2026 - AUTUMN BUDGET 2026: Will todays announcements really help unlock housing and development?
A review of todays Budget which includes plenty for those of us working in housing, planning and development to reflect upon.
26th October - Local Government Reorganisation: Stalled….. but is Mayoral Devolution about to accelerate?
Just when it seemed the future shape of local government was becoming clearer, the Government's decision to pause Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) has created fresh uncertainty for councils, communities and the development industry.
8th October - Conservative Conference 2026 – A very different direction for planning?
Following Labour Conference last week, the Conservatives have now set out their own emerging approach to housing, planning and development – and the contrast is becoming increasingly stark.
30th September - Labour Conference 2026 – What does it mean for Planning, Development and Housing?
Andy Burnham's first conference speech as Prime Minister understandably ranged far wider than housing. But for those of us working in planning and development, there were some important messages. Housing remains firmly at the centre of the Government's agenda.
23rd September - Liberal Democrat Conference 2026: More homes, more local control – Can the two go hand in hand?
Housing delivery, community engagement and the future of the planning system were important themes at this year's Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Brighton. But what does the party's approach mean for developers, local authorities and the wider property industry?
6th September - Reform UK Conference 2026: A planning revolution or a new set of challenges for development?
Sweeping planning reform, brownfield regeneration and the removal of development costs were among the proposals emerging from Reform UK's Party Conference in Birmingham. But what could they mean for housing delivery and the future of the planning system?