Planning Law

Advice on planning policy

A planning policy sets the context for property planning applications. Understanding what these entail is essential to working out whether planning permission is required or not. However, such policies are typically complicated and lengthy, which is why seeking legal advice is highly recommended. 

Setfords’ planning law solicitors are well-versed in property planning law, and can ascertain and explain the legal implications of different policies to you. 

Planning applications

A planning application — otherwise known as planning permission — refers to an application to a local council for consent to build or redevelop a property. However, submitting a planning application is neither straightforward nor cheap, which is why obtaining legal assistance is so important. 

Setfords’ planning law solicitors have significant experience handling such applications, and know what to do to ensure they comply with the relevant laws and be successful.

Planning agreements

Planning agreements are documents containing planning obligations that bind the land. They are usually entered into between a landowner and a local planning authority, and involve things like:

• Restrictions on the use of land
• The requirement of operations carried out on the land, such as works to facilitate access
• The requirement of payments to third parties, like for a contribution to the local council for development costs

Landowners and local planning authorities therefore must ensure they don’t breach these agreements, which is where Setfords can help. Our planning law solicitors can study planning agreements to work out and explain the legal implications to both parties. 

Planning prosecutions

Breaching planning rules or agreements may result in prosecution, as well as further action to remedy the offence, like demolition works. 

If you either need to defend yourself in such a scenario, or begin proceedings against somebody, then planning law advice is a must. Setfords’ planning law solicitors can help ensure you get the justice you deserve, no matter which side you’re on.

Appeals and inquiries

Inevitably, some planning permission applications are denied. However, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost, and there’s a right to appeal most local planning authority decisions, as well as against conditions imposed in an agreement and enforcement notices. 

Planning law solicitors can help ensure your case is robust and significantly increase your chances of winning the appeal. 

Compulsory purchase

A compulsory purchase order is made by a public authority and compels the owner to sell the property and receive compensation for doing so. For instance, perhaps it needs to make way for a new airport or to clear areas of bad housing. 

Setfords is here to help you successfully object to a compulsory order, or at least receive the most possible compensation after one is confirmed.