EG’s must reads: 9-13 December

Here’s a wrap-up of some of the top stories on EG from the past week. Planning decisions are set to be fast-tracked in an overhaul of local planning committees. Under the proposals, applications that comply with local development plans could bypass planning committees entirely in a bid to tackle “chronic uncertainty, unacceptable delays and unnecessary waste of time and resources”.Government unveils major overhaul of planning committeesGovernment unveils NPPF reforms to deliver 1.5m homes target Martin Moore, former managing director of Prudential Property Investment Managers, has died at the age of 68. Moore was managing director of the firm, now M&G Real Estate, from 1996, moving to become chairman from 2011 until 2013. He worked within the group for almost four decades, joining the estates department of Prudential in 1974. Former Prudential real estate lead Martin Moore dies Affinius Capital and Corscale Data Centers have got the go-ahead to develop a 700,000 sq ft data centre in Buckinghamshire after secretary of state Angela Rayner overturned the council’s refusal.Rayner waves through 700,000 sq ft data centre Insurance company Allianz has agreed a lease at the former WeWork site on Bishopsgate, owned by South African billionaire Nathan Kirsh’s Kirsh Group. The company has agreed a 15-year lease for all the office space at 15 Bishopsgate, EC2, which amounts to 54,000 sq ft.Allianz signs for Bishopsgate HQ A report from the in-house retail media agency of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has surveyed 2,000 UK consumers and found that half are seeking entertainment-focused retail experiences. The report found that 63% of young shoppers want interactive, fun retail environments. Competitive socialising is becoming a major trend, with 34% of people under 35 seeking alcohol-free social spaces and opting out of nightclubs. Three-quarters of shoppers are seeking gaming experiences during their leisure time.Shoppers seek escapism, health and sustainability from retailers Other stories you mustn’t miss: 2024: A roller coaster year for real estateCity of London Corporation launches green skills hubCWG completes £610m refi with ApolloCO-RE and Aviva plan ‘distinctive’ towerLendlease submits resi plans for Birmingham SmithfieldMayor urged to step in on London marketsPublic gives thumbs up to Network Rail’s Liverpool Street plansReport calls for a new town to be built in London Image © ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (14733496s)