Planning Law Solicitors
Whether you’re looking to do up a property or construct a new building from scratch, your plans will almost certainly be governed by planning laws. Unfortunately, however, these can be tricky to understand and navigate.
Because of this, it’s crucial that you get planning law advice, as this will ensure that you comply with the relevant rules.
This is where Setfords can help. We’re an award-winning planning law firm with an expert team of solicitors on hand to deal with all your planning requirements. Learn more about our services below.
Planning Law Areas of Specialism
How exactly can our planning law solicitors help you? Check out our main specialisms below.
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Advice on planning policy
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.
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Planning applications
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.
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Planning agreements
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.
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Planning prosecutions
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.
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Appeals and inquiries
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.
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Compulsory purchase
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.
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.
Setfords’ Approach to Planning Law
Setfords’ planning law solicitors are specialists in all things planning law, and they’ll listen, think, and give you the best legal advice around.
We can say this so confidently because we’re not like other law firms. All of our lawyers are experts in their field, meaning you’ll never get a service from an inexperienced junior.
Furthermore, our unique support structure ensures we always focus on you, and never internal billing targets or office administration. Because of this, you’ll always receive a bespoke, high-class service.
Planning Law Solicitors
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Tom Phillips
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Trevor Morley
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James Felton
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Ifath Nawaz
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Oliver Goodwin
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Planning Law FAQs
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What is planning law?
Planning law governs the development of properties, including building new ones, changing existing buildings, and demolishing them.
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What is the purpose of planning legislation?
The purpose of planning legislation is to guarantee the health and safety of people in and around properties, as well as ensuring things like environmental and access concerns are taken into account.
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Is planning law criminal or civil?
Breaching planning laws isn’t usually a criminal offence, although there are exceptions to this. These include undertaking unauthorised works on a listed building and the unsanctioned display of advertisements.
Speak to a Planning Law Solicitor on 0333 060 1665
Contact us3 Easy Steps To Getting Started
At Setfords our service is designed for your peace of mind. With highly qualified legal professionals at hand, our process will keep you updated every step of the way.
1. Call or complete our simple enquiry form
2. Our team will contact you to discuss your matter
3. Instruct for same-day file setup