Efforts to combat climate change are increasingly taking place in the Courts and through the planning system. We have been at the forefront of these efforts.
Despite the dire warnings about climate change and the need for changes of approach in so much of what we are used to, in many areas “business as usual” continues without any sign that government or businesses have appreciated the urgent action required. We have been instructed in high-profile climate change cases and planning matters relating to coal mines, fracking, and major road schemes. But climate impacts are an increasingly important factor in all sorts of decisions, from new housing developments to transport projects, to waste disposal facilities.
Major project experience includes:
- Appearing for objectors at public inquiries into new coal mines in Whitehaven, Cumbria and Druridge Bay, Northumberland.
- Representing those challenging proposals for fracking and other onshore oil and gas development in High Court challenges and in the Court of Appeal.
- Successfully challenging major road scheme decisions such as the A38 Derby Junctions Scheme and the M62 Smart Motorway Project based on failures to properly assess climate change impacts.
Meet the team
Please get in touch if you have a concern relating to climate change and one of our solicitors would be happy to discuss the detail of your matter.
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Example Cases
Challenge to Welsh coal mining licence
R (Coal Action network) v Welsh Ministers and the Coal Authority
Permission granted in challenge to South Wales coal mine licensing decision
Opposition to Coal Mine, Whitehaven, Cumbria
Proposed New Underground Metallurgical Coal Mine, Whitehaven, Cumbria
Representing objectors at public inquiry into proposed new Cumbria coal mine
A38 Derby Junctions Development Consent Order
R (Bain) v Secretary of State for Transport
Successful challenge to the A38 Derby Junctions Development Consent Order.
Oil and Gas Authority Challenge
R (Thornton) v Oil & Gas Authority
Challenge to Oil and Gas Authority’s approval of fracking company sale.
Druridge Bay, Highthorn opencast coal mine
Proposed Opencast Coal Mine: Land at Highthorn Northumberland
Opposition to called-in application for opencast coal mine; Highthorn, Druridge Bay, Northumberland.
Bradley Opencast Coal Mine Extension
Land to the west of Bradley Surface Coal Mine, Leadgate
Successful opposition to application for opencast coal mine extension, Bradley, County Durham
Kent Coast Development - Flood Risk Assessment
R (Martin) v Folkestone And Hythe District Council
Application of Sequential Test in Assessment of Flood Risk.
Preston New Road fracking challenge
PNRAG & Frackman v SSCLG
Court considers scope of EIA assessment and policy for exploratory fracking permission
Kenninghall biomass waste facility challenge
Burridge v Breckland District Council
CoA considers EIA 'project splitting' & finds separate applications were a single EIA project
I have always found the approach taken has been professional, but also very friendly and easy going.