Planning and Development Solicitors

Our specialist Planning team helps land and property owners achieve their strategic goals, whether it be obtaining planning permission for new developments or assessing the impact of major infrastructure schemes on their land and interests.

Working alongside builders, developers, and local authorities, we take a commercial and practical approach to what can sometimes be a lengthy and complex area of law. In conjunction with our Commercial Property team, we provide a complete and comprehensive service, tailored to suit individual needs.

Our development and planning expertise

We provide an extensive and integrated property planning service spanning all of your legal needs. Some aspects of your project we can advise upon include:

Strategic planning matters

Our team can work closely with you through every stage of the planning and development process, from developing a strategy to delivering projects. We apply a high level of commercial-awareness and understanding of your objectives at all times.

Planning applications and appeals

We can assist with planning applications and appeals for all types of development, from small-scale projects to major developments. With years of experience under our belts, our planning solicitors are able to act in matters of all complexity, handling a wide range of unique aspects, including planning objections, affordable housing requirements and environmental issues.

Planning, highway and infrastructure agreements

We can advise on all commercial agreements related to planning, highways and the provision of infrastructure, including:

• Section 106 agreements
• Community Infrastructure Levy
• Infrastructure agreements with utility companies and local authorities, such as section 104 agreements in relation to water and drainage
• Highways agreements and licences
• Adoption of highways
• Diverting highways and footpaths

Local Plan processes

Our team can guide you through Local Plan processes, including liaising with local planning authorities, promoting potential development sites for inclusion within a Local Plan and advising on Neighbourhood Plans.

Planning enforcements

We represent developers, individuals and public bodies in alleged breaches of planning rules, including appealing against Planning Contravention Notices, Enforcement Notices and other planning notices and orders, liaising with planning authorities during investigations, and providing robust defence services if the risk of prosecution arises.

Compulsory purchase issues

Our planning lawyers can advise you in relation to Compulsory Purchase Orders made by local authorities and other public bodies to acquire your land or property without your consent. We can help you navigate this complex area of law to promote your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in the circumstances.

Environmental issues, minerals and natural resources

We can advise on a broad range of environmental law issues, including:

• Compliance with the Environmental Protection Act
• Devising environmental policies
• Limiting contractual policies
• Remediation obligations
• Environmental litigation
• Prosecutions

Public rights of way and footpaths

Our planning and development Solicitors can provide advice on all matters surrounding access, such as:

• General advice on resolving issues with public rights of way
• Representing landowners and developers in relation to footpath applications
• Diverting rights of way
• Extinguishing or obstructing rights of way
• Advice on common land and village green rights
• Advice on right to roam
• Negotiating easements

Land and property development

We are leading lawyers in commercial property development. As well as our planning expertise, our service encompasses:

• Site acquisition
• Instructing and operating management companies
• Development contracts and agreements
• Site assembly
• Plot sales
• Environmental issues

Sales and acquisitions

Our Development and Planning team work closely in conjunction with our Commercial Property and Plot Sales teams to provide a highly customised service for clients looking to buy or sell property or land for planning and development. We assist everyone, from individuals looking to acquire their first development property to established corporations looking to expand an extensive property portfolio. Our experience includes:

• Purchasing development sites for commercial, residential, retail or industrial use
• Portfolio acquisitions and disposals
• Purchases and sales of brownfield sites
• Conducting due diligence

Contentious planning and development

Our specialist team can provide assistance when disputes arise in the course of your planning matter. Our expertise includes:

• Advising in relation to planning appeals and objections
• Representing clients in public inquiries
• Conducting judicial review proceedings
• Issuing proceedings in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court

Get in touch with our commercial property planning solicitors

For further information about our commercial property planning services, get in touch with our team in Alconbury, Birmingham, Nottingham, Peterborough or Spalding.