Planning & environmental
We provide the full range of planning, compulsory purchase and environmental services, from strategic advice at the outset to the management of applications and appeals and, ultimately, representation in the court and tribunal process. Our team has a successful track record in prosecuting and defending Judicial Reviews and defending clients from proceedings in the magistrates’ court.
Our clients are primarily financial institutions, investors and developers - specifically those in regeneration and urban estates. We also advise public sector bodies and major UK and international occupiers.
Our expert lawyers, with experience of working in-house at local authorities as well as in private practice, are able to deliver practical, commercial outcomes.
Experience
S106 Planning Agreement for a proposed hotel
We provided advice in relation to the S106 Planning Agreement for the development of a new hotel. This required a use swap with an existing hotel and ancillary accommodation, and included ensuring that the residential development at the existing hotel was undertaken by a third party in a timely manner so as not to frustrate the use of the new hotel.
S106 Planning Agreements for Leeds City Centre
Acting for the developer in relation to two planning agreements for this major Leeds City centre mixed used scheme which will provide a hotel, casino, bars and restaurants, multi storey car park, offices, fitness centre and shops.
Brentwood town centre redevelopment
Finalising the second phase of the redevelopment of Brentwood town centre which will deliver a new cinema, retail and commercial units and residential apartments. The development agreement with a major developer includes complex provisions, relating to procurement, planning, compulsory purchase and overage.
Compulsory purchase and planning for major UK developer
Acting for Countryside Properties (UK) Limited on the compulsory acquisition of a site in the green belt for the provision of a 452 unit residential scheme. We are also advising on all the planning and highways issues, including CPO procedures, documents and agreements, planning obligations and conditions.
S106 Planning Agreements for Regent Quarter at Kings Cross
Acting on planning agreements for the revised final phase at Regent Quarter, comprising part demolition, part conversion of existing buildings and the erection of two six storey buildings to provide office, restaurant and car free residential accommodation. The S106 benefits included contributions for transport, environmental improvements, play space, employment and training in addition to the provision of public art and affordable housing.
S106 Planning Agreement for a mixed use scheme
Acting for the developer on this high street scheme in Stratford (London) comprising six new buildings of up to 43 storeys commercial and residential use, including affordable business space and affordable housing.
Successfully appealing enforcement notices requiring demolition
Successfully acting on the appeal of two enforcement notices issued by the London Borough of Ealing requiring total demolition of a newly built house which did not fully comply with planning permission. The inspector granted planning permission subject to some alterations.
Successfully preventing prosecution by Environment Agency
Advising our client on their liability for an unlawful spill of 3,000 litres of red diesel fuel from a generator. The spill was caused by intruders who were attempting to steal the fuel from a secure site. The client undertook containment measures and our advice resulted in the client avoiding prosecution.
Environmental permit
Advising a chemical flux manufacturer on their land contamination liability and on the surrender of their Environmental Permit and discharge consent.
Town and Village Greens
Advising a government agency on the risks of Town and Village Green applications being submitted and their likely success in relation to two proposed housing sites in Stevenage.