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.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has announced that the Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, convened a roundtable with...
The Welsh Government has introduced the Planning (Wales) Bill and the Planning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Bill to the Senedd. The Planning...
Planning analysis: Section 85(A1) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRWA 2000) came into effect on 26 December 2023 following amendments...
Planning analysis: On 1 September 2025, the government launched a consultation seeking views on streamlining the Nationally Significant Infrastructure...
Planning analysis: In Herstmonceux Museum v SSCLG, the court held that challenges to enforcement appeal decisions involving a deemed planning...
Fire safety developments following the Grenfell Tower fireThis Practice Note sets out key developments in relation to fire safety following the...
Building liability ordersThe Building Safety Bill received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022, becoming the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022). BSA 2022...
Digital Planning in EnglandThis Practice Note examines the digital planning provisions in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA 2023),...
Biodiversity net gain in EnglandWhat is biodiversity net gain?Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a principle which aims to leave the natural environment...
Species ProtectionIntroduction and backgroundThe State of Nature and Climate 2025 briefing paper published by the World Economic Forum included the...
Precedent s 106 deed of indemnityAGREEMENTrelating toliabilities arising from an agreement made under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act...
Wayleave agreement—previous Electronic Communications CodeSTOP PRESS: THE NEW ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS CODE CAME INTO FORCE ON 28 DECEMBER 2017. THIS...
Buyer’s CIL liability/Planning Liability termination clause1DefinitionsBiodiversity Gain•the biodiversity gain objective described in Schedule 7A of...
Precedent compulsory purchase order indemnity agreementThis Agreement is made on [date]BETWEEN1[Council] whose principal place of business is...
Conservation covenant agreementThis is the first draft of a precedent conservation covenant agreement, to be made under section 117 of the Environment...
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 element of value of land over and above the existing use value ie reflects the prospect of potential development/alternative use.
The determining authority/council for a given development project.
Financial model used for undertaking financial viability testing, often referred to as a ‘toolkit’ appraisal.