Environmental regulation and UK property development |
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Citation: Dr Emma Street, Victor Nicholls, (2025) Environmental regulation and UK property development.
London: Property Research Trust. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52915/BQAP2290 Keywords: Environmental regulation, property development, net-zero targets, environmental strategies, evolving landscape. |
Summary:
The relationship between environmental regulation and the built environment has never been more consequential – or more contested. With the UK committed to legally binding net-zero targets and the property sector responsible for around a quarter of national emissions, the need for rigorous, evidence-based understanding of how developers engage with sustainability is vital. Yet, political narratives often reduce regulation to ‘red tape’ and an obstacle to growth, ignoring the significant strides made by many in the sector to go beyond compliance. This timely report by Dr Emma Street and Victor Nicholls explores the complex and evolving landscape of environmental regulation in UK property development. Drawing on an innovative methodology – including regulatory mapping, a systematic review of corporate environmental strategies, and in depth interviews with industry professionals – this study offers a detailed and balanced assessment of how developers navigate, adopt and, in some cases, lead environmental practices. What is particularly striking is the nuance and insight that emerges from engaging directly with those working at the intersection of regulation, sustainability, and commercial development. The findings challenge assumptions that regulation is inherently burdensome and instead highlight a pragmatic, often values-driven, culture within development organisations seeking to align business goals with environmental imperatives. |
Authors
Dr Emma Street is associate professor of urban policy and governance at Henley Business School, University of Reading. She has worked in higher education since 2006 in several professional research, administrative and teaching and learning roles. Emma is passionate about conducting impactful research and has worked with stakeholders including policymakers, built environment professionals and grassroots campaigners. Her research interests are interdisciplinary and include spatial planning, geography, urban policy and design, and real estate. She is particularly interested in the values, decisions and processes that shape the form, function and governance of urban environments.
Victor Nicholls is a lecturer in development and planning at Henley Business School, University of Reading. Before moving to academia in 2019, Victor worked in local government for more than 30 years in councils in London, Berkshire and Hampshire. Most of his career has been in Bracknell. As well as managing a range of local government services, he worked on planning for largescale urban growth and sustainable urban extensions. As assistant chief executive, he led Bracknell Forest Council’s work to plan and deliver the comprehensive regeneration of Bracknell town centre, the first post-war New Town centre to be comprehensively transformed.
Victor Nicholls is a lecturer in development and planning at Henley Business School, University of Reading. Before moving to academia in 2019, Victor worked in local government for more than 30 years in councils in London, Berkshire and Hampshire. Most of his career has been in Bracknell. As well as managing a range of local government services, he worked on planning for largescale urban growth and sustainable urban extensions. As assistant chief executive, he led Bracknell Forest Council’s work to plan and deliver the comprehensive regeneration of Bracknell town centre, the first post-war New Town centre to be comprehensively transformed.