Our planning lawyers are nationally-recognised for our expertise and the quality of work we undertake. We deliver planning law advice to the public and private sectors, across the UK, through the whole development process, from consenting strategy to legal challenge.
We understand that planning law can be complex and difficult to navigate. We combine legal expertise with in-depth knowledge across a range of industry sectors to secure the right outcomes for our clients.
We advise on issues, which sit alongside the planning process, integral to development proposals such as infrastructure agreements, highways and compulsory purchase. We are market-leaders in consenting nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). Our planning lawyers collaborate closely with our real estate team on regeneration projects and property development; and with our environment and energy teams on renewable and nuclear proposals.
We are committed to shaping the future of planning law; we speak at national events, lead workshops and webinars, and are actively involved in industry bodies, including NIPA, CPA and the Renewable Energy Association.
Areas of focus
Our Planning law expertise includes the following:
- Consenting strategy.
- Planning applications, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and community engagement.
- Negotiating and drafting planning obligations for landowners, developers, local authorities and funders.
- Planning appeals, including advocacy at public inquiries and hearings.
- Interpretation of planning permissions and conditions, and advice on safeguarding planning consents.
- Enforcement issues and certificates of lawful use.
- Site assembly including compulsory purchase, acquisition/extinguishment of rights and advice on compensation, including Lands Tribunal advocacy.
- Judicial Review and statutory appeals to the High Court in respect of planning and compulsory purchase matters.
- Major infrastructure applications, including NSIPs.
- Town and village green (TVG) and common land applications and proceedings.
- Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat banks.
- Highways and public rights of way, including creation, diversion and extinguishment.
- Advice on heritage issues, including listed buildings.
- Advice on local authority issues, such as powers, procedures and policies.