Planning law relates to the regulation of land use and development. As in all areas of public law, it involves competing interests of public bodies, private individuals and the wider public interest. We have a formidable reputation in representing clients in planning-related matters.

Although we are involved in virtually all aspects of planning, the matters that we find ourselves often instructed on can be broken down into distinct areas of work.

Planning Objections

Many clients come to us wishing to oppose a development. A well-drafted planning objection can sometimes mean the difference between a proposal being granted or refused. But navigating local and national planning policies and understanding the law that can be used to defeat an application can be challenging. For more information, please refer to our page on planning objections.

Planning Appeals

Even if a local planning authority refuses a scheme, the applicant has the opportunity to appeal that decision to the Planning Inspectorate. An inspector will determine whether to grant the permission, overturning the local planning authority’s decision, or refuse it. We are frequently instructed by clients wishing to persuade an inspector not to grant permission for a given development, ranging from short written submissions to assembling a team of experts to appear at multi-week planning inquiries. For more on this area, refer to our page on planning appeals.

Local Plans

We have experience in representing clients at the various stages that comprise the local plan making process. These stages culminate in a public hearing on whether the proposed local plan should be formally adopted. These are known as examinations in public. For more on our work in this area, see our page on local plans.