opposing a substantial development
the challenge:
The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) appointed us to oppose a
substantial development comprising over 50,000 square feet of
commercial space, 1,750 houses and other elements including a
football stadium and hotel. The proposal was being supported
by the planning authority and the opposition was on the grounds of
the impact on the historic landscape and nature conservation
interests.
our approach:
We argued the site was of historic importance to Wales as the
buildings dated back to the industrial revolution. We also
defended the conservation interests of the site, including rare
fungi, greater crested newts and five species of bats. We
assembled a team of expert witnesses from CCW, most of whom had not
given evidence at a public inquiry before, briefed them on what to
expect and took them through the evidence. We appeared as
advocate at the four week inquiry, leading opposition to the
development against a Queen's Counsel and counsel.
the result:
The inquiry was successful - the Welsh
Assembly Government agreed with the Inspector’s recommendation to
refuse the development, despite the considerable support from
within the planning authority and the business community for it to
go ahead.