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Real estate

Planning

planning

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With a new Conservative government elected in 2015, the planning reform continues. Concerns about productivity have put the planning system under further scrutiny whilst, at the same time, public sector cost-cutting is eating into the capacity of Local Planning Authorities to deliver; creating a climate of conflict as the Courts continue to be part of the battleground between different interests. All of this continues to be overshadowed by European environmental law. Our long-established planning team continually monitors the changes coming through the planning system and provides up-to-date advice to help you meet your objectives.

what we do...

Our clients - over 150 public sector clients, including government agencies, local authorities, health and education services, plus registered social landlords, private developers, luxury goods, food and drink and value retailers.
Specialists in planning law - consultancy, site promotion, applications, appeals, s106 planning obligations, community infrastructure levy agreements, judicial review and challenges, enforcement and compulsory purchase.
More than planning - environmental specialists and experts in development, construction, property acquisition and disposal, property disputes, highways, compulsory purchase, regeneration.

More than planning - environmental specialists and experts in development, construction, property acquisition and disposal, property disputes, highways, compulsory purchase, regeneration.
Nine dedicated lawyers and one qualified chartered planner– members and legal associates of the Royal Town Planning Institute and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Community-focused - working with community representatives and undertaking pro-bono planning aid work.

related resources

Legal updates

Consultation on pre-commencement conditions: improving the use of planning conditions?

There has been concern that despite the number of planning permissions being granted for new homes increasing in line with government housing policy, this is not translating into the expected new homes, and unnecessary pre-commencement conditions are seen as one of the reasons for this deficit.

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Legal updates

Planning decisions and the duty to give reasons

A number of recent cases have explored the extent of the duty on local authorities to give reasons for their decisions to grant planning permission and the legal consequences of a breach of that duty.

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Upcoming webinars

State aid in regeneration projects

Local authorities across the country are engaging in regeneration projects to support their local economies and generate revenue or capital receipts.

View upcoming webinars

Legal updates

Metropolitan Housing Trust Ltd v RMC FH Co Ltd [2017] EWHC 2609 (Ch)

A tenant releasing a right to light would be permitting an encroachment to be made upon the property demised by its lease.

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what the directories say...

‘Excellent service’ and ‘good knowledge of the planning market’.

Legal 500 2016

recent experience

Involved in a long campaign of promoting the benefits of the development of a 4000 dwelling urban extension in the green belt.
Securing £70M of S106 contributions from a 5000 dwelling urban extension which had become stalled because of difficulties in securing S106 contributions - a roof charge approach was eventually documented in the principal S106 agreement which provided the framework for three further agreements to follow.
Ensuring the restoration scheme for a degraded raised peat bog was subject to the relevant planning approvals prior to commencement of restoration works.

our people

related opinions

The housing crisis - PM tells developers to step up and do their bit

The PM has announced plans to target developers who are sitting on planning permissions in a bid to address the ongoing housing crisis.

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Liability for business rates whilst property being refurbished

With the current publicity over the rating revaluation coming in next month alongside proposed changes to the appeals process, today’s Supreme Court decision will come as a relief to embattled ratepayers.

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Compulsory purchase reform on the way - but is it enough?

Whilst the Government’s proposed compulsory purchase reforms are welcome, they appear narrow and politically motivated, relating to perceived problems relating particularly to HS2 rather than taking the opportunity to simplify one of the most complex areas of law with statute dating back to 1845 still being operative.

View blog

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Stephen Coult

Associate Planner

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planning

what we do...

related resources

Consultation on pre-commencement conditions: improving the use of planning conditions?

Planning decisions and the duty to give reasons

State aid in regeneration projects

Metropolitan Housing Trust Ltd v RMC FH Co Ltd [2017] EWHC 2609 (Ch)

what the directories say...

recent experience

our people

Richard Barlow Partner and Head of Public Sector

Stephen Coult Associate Planner

Ros Foster Partner

Laura Hughes Partner

Dmitrije Sirovica Solicitor

Ben Standing Associate

Will Thomas Solicitor

related opinions

The housing crisis - PM tells developers to step up and do their bit

Liability for business rates whilst property being refurbished

Compulsory purchase reform on the way - but is it enough?

Stephen Coult

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