Public Sector Planning

Few would argue that the planning system in England and Wales isn’t complex or that the rules and regulations stand still. There are numerous layers of legislation (in addition to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990), varied national, local and regional policies and a raft of case law. As a result of devolution, the planning systems in England and Wales are also evolving into distinctive national planning systems.

Furthermore, the environmental considerations of any development stand at the top of the central, regional and local government agendas. Here too, regulations are complex. In recent years businesses have had to look beyond their immediate local concerns and pay attention to the global challenges facing us all.

As a top-ranked stand-alone team of specialists, we come highly recommended from numerous clients across the public sector as a “First class practice, known for its ‘stunning advice’ (Legal 500). We have a deep understanding, proven track record and expert resources to handle all the issues surrounding modern planning and environment procedures.

The team is best known for being accessible and giving practical pragmatic advice. A significant part of our practice includes preparing and negotiating section 106 planning agreements and obligations acting for local planning authorities on the non-contentious side, but we are equally at home in a contentious public inquiry, judicial review or statutory challenge.

We can support you at all stages of your development to highlight sensitive issues, define risks and liabilities and make sure everyone knows exactly where they stand. A complex development is likely to require lawyers who are knowledgeable about related subjects, and we have. high levels of expertise across all relevant areas. We have expertise in:

• Compulsory purchase & compensation
• Development plans
• Environmental statements, including Biodiversity, Remediation, Waste & Air Quality
• Highways
• Infrastructure agreements
• Planning applications
• Planning appeals; judicial review and statutory challenges
• Planning enforcement
• Rights of Way
• SUDS