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. 