London-Dentons has advised the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the making of a Special Development Order (SDO) granting planning permission for the development of the UK's first major entertainment resort complex, including theme parks, water parks and wider infrastructure. The SDO was made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, coming into force on 12 January 2026.

The SDO will facilitate the delivery of one of the UK's most significant inward investment opportunities and was made within 6 months of Universal's formal submission of its scheme. The proposed entertainment resort complex is expected to attract more than eight million visitors annually once operational in 2031. The development includes major visitor attractions, supporting infrastructure and extensive transport and highway improvements, and is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits, job creation and long-term regeneration for the region.

The Dentons team was led by Head of UK Planning and Public LawRoy Pinnock, assisted by Adam Brown (Counsel, Projects), Melanie Blanchard (Planning Projects Manager), Katie Scuoler (Counsel, Planning and Public Law) and Grace Pinault (Associate, Planning and Public Law).

Roy Pinnock commented: "This landmark Special Development Order demonstrates how the planning regime can be used to deliver complex, nationally significant developments, while ensuring that planning considerations are assessed rigorously and in the public interest."

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