Planning and the Environment

Accolades are important, but as the saying goes "you are only so good as your last job". What sets us apart and continues to bring clients back time and again is our consistent ability to deliver timely and appropriate commercial advice and to solve, rather than create, problems. Being able to rely on your legal advisor is critical, especially as these areas of law can be minefields, demanding experienced pilots to sit alongside you. Our clients are sure they get this level of service saying of our team members, "a reliable and respected advisor" (Chambers) and "a safe pair of hands". Our ability to represent our clients in a variety of settings and circumstances is further enhanced by some of our team members being solicitor advocates.

Whether you are a developer, landowner, local authority or regional development agency you will have need for legal advice to guide you through the planning process. For example, on matters such as legal vetting of Environmental Impact Assessment documents to reduce the risk of judicial review; tactical advice on the promotion of the site; balancing whether to seek permission on appeal or play your hand through the emerging development plan process; compulsory purchase; prematurity arguments that would prevent the site coming forward in advance of the adoption of the development plan; drafting of complex planning conditions or planning obligations, for example to deliver infrastructure or apportion impact between competing sites.

Environmental Issues

Unfortunately, it is not always this obvious when an environmental issue needs addressing. You may be in the process of operating, disposing of, acquiring or managing the administration of sites that could be contaminated and require remediation. Or perhaps you need an environmental permit or discharge/abstraction consent to operate your business lawfully without fear of the company or its directors/managers being at risk of criminal proceedings being brought against them. Waste, pollution, minerals and landfill are all topics which are heavily regulated by European and UK laws which are continually evolving and you should have an advisor who can help you keep one step of the game.

Our work also involves work in the renewables and energy sector assisting clients with securing consents for example for windfarms; nuclear energy, biomass facilities and waste recycling centres.

Contact: Neil Baker