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.
Meet the team
Our team has broad experience in planning-related matters, including objections, appeals and local plans. Please get in touch if you think we can help.
Get in touch
Example Cases
Parish Council stops conversion of historic pub
The White Cliffs Hotel, St Margaret’s at Cliffe, Dover
Swift intervention results in removal of condition prohibiting community access
East Sussex - Protection of Railway Bridge
AB v National Highways
Objection to proposed infilling of disused railway bridge.
Suffolk Poultry Sheds Planning Appeal
Castle Hill Farm, Castle Hill, Eye, Suffolk
Successful opposition to intensive poultry units in Mid Suffolk planning appeal.
Dorset Quarry at Chard Junction
Application for Chard Junction Quarry, Thorncombe
Objection to Dorset Strategic Planning Committee leading to refusal of quarry permission.
Thames party boat pier refused
Proposal for the erection of a pier within the Thames
Amenity impact stops 1500 passenger party boat pier following objection.
Rejection of Uttlesford Local Plan
Uttlesford District Council Local Plan – Inspectors’ letter recommending plan unsound
10,000 unit garden community opposed by Great Dunmow Town Council found unsound
Success in Local Plan Review
Suffolk Coastal Council Local Plan Review.
Local Plan submissions on behalf of residents to preserve ‘The Layers'.
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
800 house development refused by Inspector
Land North East of Elsenham, Essex
Impact on landscape and loss of best agricultural land results in permission refusal
If you have a planning issue that has gone wrong they are the people to represent you.