Bridget OConnell

Suspicion between local electorates and developers is damaging careers and profits.

A survey by the NLA found that 380,000 owners of rental properties planned to reduce the size of their portfolios — a move that could “flood the market” with properties.

The property tycoon, 57, who had co-operated with the programme makers, now claims that the BBC has “sensationalised” his private life.

Samuel Tak Lee, a secretive Hong Kong billionaire who owns 23% of Shaftesbury, has written to the FTSE 250 property developer demanding information ahead of a possible legal action.

House of Fraser, Marks and Spencer and Next look for ways to cut costs.

Round-up of today’s top property stories with quick links to the nationals.

Ministers have called on the competition watchdog to investigate whether the £12bn merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda is likely to harm supermarket suppliers and the food industry.

“Game-changing” partnership will see Ocado build 20 automated “customer fulfilment centres” across the US in the coming three years

CVA welcomed but concerns raised about Mothercare’s ability to solve its perennial problems of rising costs and intense competition from online retailers and supermarkets.

Restaurant chain’s proposed “landlord-only” CVA includes the closure of 34 of its 103 UK restaurants and if approved will pave the way for a £10m investment from ownership.

Housebuilder has been steadily building up its partnership division, which delivers homes in partnerships with local councils and has opened its own modular housing factory to accommodate rapid growth.

Grainger, which owns 9,000 rental homes in Britain, is close to approaching the £850m target it set in January 2016 to invest in building properties solely for renting.