Who we are
We have had a distinguished history as a specialist planning set for over 60 years and we continue to be recognised as one of the five foremost Planning sets by both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500; currently 7 silks and 15 juniors are ranked as leaders in the planning and environmental field by the legal guides.
The work of chambers sends barristers all over the UK. For example, Chambers and Partners recognises that “the set is a big player in Wales, where it set up offices in 2010".
What we do
One specialism within the planning work we do relates to compulsory purchase and compensation cases. A number of our members have great expertise in this area in general, both on the use of compulsory purchase orders and subsequent claims for compensation. We also have acknowledged expertise on ransom strips with members of Chambers acting in many of the leading cases, including cases in the House of Lords: Waters and Others v Welsh Development Agency; 2004 UKHL 19. (Click here for full text)
Generally, we advise and appear for both acquiring authorities and objectors at public inquiries held to consider compulsory purchase orders made under a wide variety of statutory powers; town and country planning, urban regeneration, housing and highways, by Government departments, local authorities and other promoters. Then we advise on claims for compensation for compulsory purchase and appear in the Lands Tribunal in such cases. Other inquiry work undertaken includes appeals concerning purchase notices and applications for certificates of appropriate alternative development under the Land Compensation Act 1961.
We appear in High Court legal challenges to decisions to confirm compulsory purchase orders, and conduct compensation claims in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) and in the Court of Appeal in appeals against Lands Tribunal decisions.