We cover all key aspects of the planning application process from the procedure, viability considerations, to decision-making and material considerations, to the duty to give reasons for planning decisions.
A series of Practice Notes and Checklists outlining the planning issues for a planning title in a property transaction. How information’s revealed, what to report on, and the significance of the findings for the buyer.
Compulsory purchase is governed by complex legislation, case law and guidance. We provide the legal requirements and good practice to help customers navigate the procedure, scope of CPOs and opportunities for challenge.
Planning requirements, procedures, policy, appeals and enforcement. We cover developments ranging from small-scale residential extensions to nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Planning analysis: The claimants challenged a development consent order (DCO) granted for the Immingham Eastern ‘roll-on roll-off’ Terminal (IERRT), a...
This week's edition of Planning weekly highlights includes: a Court of Appeal decision on the interaction between planning considerations and tree...
The Chief Planner, Joanna Averley, has published a planning update newsletter for August 2025, written for the chief planning officers at local...
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a package of environmental planning reforms, implementing recommendations...
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) is inviting participants to take part in research sessions aimed at enhancing its digital services. The initiative...
Energy performance certificates (EPCs)—what are they and when are they required?This Practice Note explains how energy performance in buildings is...
Freedom of information for public sector [Archived]ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is not maintained.The freedom of information...
Obtaining consent for FOI disclosure from data subject [Archived]ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is not maintained.Scope of...
Clarifying freedom of information requestsReading a request objectivelyWhere a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FIA 2000) is phrased...
Public interest test—the chilling effect and safe spaceSince the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FIA 2000) and the Environmental...
Highway projection licenceDATE [date]Parties1[name of Authority] of [address] (Authority)2[name of Licensee] [of OR incorporated in England and Wales...
Environmental Information Regulations 2004—request for environmental information[Insert name of public authority][Insert public authority's address,...
Conservation covenant agreementThis is the first draft of a precedent conservation covenant agreement, to be made under section 117 of the Environment...
Precedent bond agreementDATE [insert date]Parties1[insert name] of [insert address] [incorporated in England and Wales with company registration...
Precedent s 106A deed of variation/supplemental agreementAGREEMENTrelating toSection 106 and 106A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 [and...
Statutory wayleaves and rights of accessUtilitiesThe water, gas, electricity, communications and energy industries enjoy statutory rights of access...
Planning conditions—the six testsPowers to impose planning conditionsThe general powers for local planning authorities (LPAs) to impose conditions on...
Section 215 notice requiring maintenance of landIntroductionThe purpose of section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA 1990) is to...
Bias and pre-determination in planning casesScope of bias and pre-determination in planning casesBias and pre-determination can be an issue in...
Permitted development in WalesPlanning permission is required for the development of land. 'Development', which is defined in the Town and Country...
Declaratory relief of planning decisionsA declaratory judgment is a judgment identifying the rights, duties or obligations of one or more parties in a...
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are sites in...
What is a town or village green?The existence of a town or village green (TVG) may restrict or even prevent development. It is a criminal offence to...
Material change of useControl of developmentPursuant to section 57 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA 1990), planning permission is...
Implementing a CPO—notice to treat and General Vesting DeclarationContextThe confirmation of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) does not vest title in...
The Crichel Down RulesThe Crichel Down Rules (the Rules) require that in certain circumstances, surplus government land that was acquired by, or under...
The GDV less acquisition costs, applies in the case of commercial developments.
The profit of the scheme expressed as a percentage of value.
A valuation of land using a development appraisal (see Development Appraisal).