The government’s consultation on the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire closed on 31 August, with lawyers highlighting the unusual decision to use a special development order ("SDO") rather than the normal planning process.

In an article for the Estates Gazette, Michael Dempsey discusses how the decision to use a SDO could influence other developers to suggest this route on other big projects - that is if it works without any legal problems. The outcome will be watched closely across the development sector. 