Almost every enforcement case raises legal issues, often difficult and complex questions of human rights, statutory interpretation, and planning case law. Members advise and represent local planning authorities, developers, land owners, amenity groups and local residents on the use of all enforcement powers including the use of enforcement notices, injunctions, breach of condition notices and certificates of lawfulness.
They are instructed for criminal prosecution and defence work in Magistrates and Crown Courts; or in relation to applications for committal for contempt of court.
Planning issues which often arise in the enforcement context include
- The use of land as a gypsy caravan site;
- Waste disposal;
- Development by intensification of use