This case study is part of a wider article "No Contract. No Problem?" which explores why legal formalities under the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989 matter, what happens when they’re not followed, and how equitable remedies like constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel can sometimes offer a lifeline. Through key cases, it highlights when informal agreements may still hold weight and when “no contract” really does mean “no deal.”

A land promotion agreement is a legally binding contract between a landowner and a land promoter. This type of agreement allows the landowner to benefit from the promoter’s expertise, experience, and financial resources to obtain planning permission for development. Once planning permission is granted, the value of the land usually increases significantly. The land is then sold on the open market, and the sale proceeds are shared between the promoter and the landowner in agreed proportions.

The Supreme Court ruling earlier this year dismissing the attempt by Dartmoor landowners, Mr & Mrs Darwall, to ban wild campers’ access to Dartmoor common land within their Dartmoor estate, has worried many farmers and landowners. They are concerned that the Court’s ruling could open the door to a widespread extension of the right to wild camp on open access land in England and Wales.

Discover what ransom strips are, how they affect strategic land development, and legal tips for landowners and developers from Wright Hassall experts.

A developer proposing to acquire any building or land which furthers the social wellbeing or interests of the local community will, before exchange of contracts, need to check whether or not it has been listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) pursuant to the Localism Act 2011 (LA).

Understand employer liability for employees’ social media posts, key lessons from Higgs v Farmor’s School [2025] and how policies and training can mitigate risks.

Anna Sutcliffe, Legal Director in our Contentious Probate discusses how to go about contesting a Will and lessons that can be learnt from the case of Gowing and Others v Ward and Another.

This article looks to provide an overview of what was discussed in respect of the two employment law bills and the likely timings of these changes to help employers better prepare for the future.

Whatever the type of will dispute, our guide explores what you need to consider and what is possible if you are thinking of contesting a will whether this is in relation to the way that the will has been made or the way the will is being executed.

This month's update includes detail of legislation due to come into force from 6 April, plus regulations amending the Equality Act 2010 which are already in force. We also alert readers to the government's proposed Code of Practice to regulate 'Fire and hire' practices and draw attention to our new suite of employment guides.