Planning and environmental law can often feel like a maze to newcomers. We can help clients find a sensible way forward, whether they are suffering from a neighbouring nuisance, considering a challenge to a decision in the Courts, objecting to a proposal for new development, or seeking to influence the local planning framework in their area.

Planning applications & appeals

We are often instructed to prepare objections to planning applications or to represent objectors where an application has gone to a planning committee, or an appeal or planning inquiry. Our planning and appeals process page provides some background on the route that a planning application may take. We also have pages relating to our work preparing planning objections, participating in planning appeals and inquiries, and influencing local plans.

Judicial Review (and statutory challenges)

The Courts have an important (but limited) role in ensuring that public bodies do not act unlawfully. Courts will not interfere where a decision represents a rational judgment which considers the right factors, and where procedure was properly followed. But, for instance, if a decision maker fails to take into account a material consideration or takes into account an immaterial one, acts in a procedurally unfair way, or outside their powers, the Court will ‘quash’ the decision and require that it is made properly.

Much of our work involves situations where there is concern that a decision has been made unlawfully and will harm the local community or the wider environment. Our page on the judicial review process, gives background on how judicial review (and other similar statutory challenges) work; or see our main page on judicial review for information about our work in this area.

Nuisance

In circumstances where the perpetrator of an environmental wrong is a private entity, one can claim directly against them – for example, someone making unreasonable noise, or exposing one to annoyance or danger from fumes. More information can be found on our nuisance process page, or on our main page relating to our work on nuisance.