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Estelle Dehon QC is a versatile public law barrister with a broad practice, specialising in environment and planning law (with particular expertise in climate change and net zero). The other main area of her work is data protection and access to information, in which she is again recognised as a leading barrister. She also practices in election law and human rights law and is recognised in administrative and public law. Estelle is a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's B Panel of counsel. She took silk in 2022.
Estelle is recognised in Chambers & Partners as a "first-rate" advocate who has "a wonderful manner with clients" and in Legal 500 as "a determined and tenacious advocate, whose oral and written advocacy is nuanced, well-reasoned and highly effective and whose grasp of the law consistently impresses". Estelle is a versatile public law lawyer practising in a number of areas: environment and planning law (with particular expertise in climate change and net zero); data protection and access to information law; election law and human rights. Estelle is a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's B Panel of counsel.
She was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2006 and she took silk in 2022.
Experience and Expertise
Estelle has considerable experience as a court and tribunal advocate, as well as representing parties at major planning inquiries and infrastructure examinations. She regularly appears in the High Court and Court of Appeal in judicial review claims and statutory appeals. Estelle has particular experience in climate change related challenges: she acted in the Supreme Court challenge to the grant of permission for fracking in Lancashire; in the Court of Appeal challenge to the lack of emergency planning at the UK's first site for fracking horizontal wells; in the High Court defending the Secretary of State's refusal of an open cast coal mine in Druridge Bay and is acting in the first challenge to the exercise of the Oil and Gas Authority's regulatory powers. In 2019 she appeared at an inquiry considering permission for "matrix acidisation" (or "acid fracking's ugly little sibling") in Ellesmere Port. This year she is representing two community groups opposing expansion at Bristol Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport respectively.
The other main area of Estelle's practice is data protection and access to information. She advises a wide range of clients, both in the public and private sector, in relation to data protection and access to information matters. She has particular interest and expertise in data protection, big data, profiling, artificial intelligence and machine learning, on which she has been advising insurance companies and tech startups. Estelle also undertakes advocacy work in this area and has experience bringing and defending data breach compensation claims in the County and High Courts. She successfully represented the investigative journalist Stefania Maurizi before the First-tier Tribunal in her FOIA challenge concerning the Met Police's refusal to provide informaiton concerning WikiLeaks staff, and in 2019 she will be acting for Ms Maurizi before the Upper Tribunal in her FOIA appeal relating to the extradition of Julian Assange.
Conferences
Estelle regularly speaks at conferences and seminars. This year she co-presented on Climate Change Litigation at Cornerstone's Annual Planning Day, addressed the APPG on Energy Costs on Assessing COP26 Outcomes and presented a webinar on Planning and Human Rights for MHCLG. In 2020 Estelle spoke on Environment and the Rule of Law on 26 June 2020 at the UKELA Annual Conference, she co-presetned a webinar on Infrastructure and Net Zero and chaired a seminar on Opportunities for a Climate Positive Economy After COVID-19. In 2019 she gave the Legal Update at the Joint Planning Law Conference; spoke on Veganism and Climate Change at the UKELA Annual Conference; co-presented on Habitats: Past, Present, Future at the Cornerstone Annual Planning Day and spoke on Data Ethics: A Cross-Disciplinary View at the Open Data Institute Annual Summit.
Professional Memberships
Estelle has been a member of UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA) since 2012 and sits on the UKELA Public Health and Environmental Law Working Party. She has been a trustee and member of UKELA Council since 2019. Estelle is also a member of the Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA); the National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA), the Administrative Law Bar Association (ALBA) and JUSTICE. She is a trustee of the Women's Environmental Network (WEN).
After securing permission in a complex judicial review claim, Estelle's clients wrote that they felt "compelled to send our thanks for the wonderful way in which our case was presented yesterday. Estelle's arguments [on climate impact and biodiversity] were so lucid that even we didn't have any difficulty in understanding them."
At a high profile planning inquiry concerning fracking, Estelle's client remarked on her "excellent and hugely appreciated work". One of the residents' groups participating in the inquiry also noted that "Estelle [was] truly awesome. The points that [she] raised and the manner [she] did it in was nothing short of superb."
A national children's charity recently said of Estelle: "I just want to give a compliment for the hard work Estelle put in to ensure we were GDPR compliant. She is exceptionally knowledgeable and provided great timely advice. We were very impressed with her work".
Stefania Maurizi, investigative journalist formerly with La Repubblica, now with Il Fatto Quotidiano, a public access client, said: "I wish all journalists litigating in the public interest could have Estelle represent them".
Aviva's GDPR Operations Director said: "A heartfelt thank you to Estelle for her wonderful contribution to our data privacy conference. She spoke so eloquently about the ways in which companies can avoid the pitfalls around data management but also the opportunities AI and 'doing things in a fair and transparent fashion' will bring."
Administrative & Public Law - "She is an excellent advocate who produces strong written work." "She is a very efficient barrister who is terrific in her drafting and a real pleasure to work with." Chambers and Partners 2022
Environment - "She is very astute." Chambers and Partners 2022
Planning - "Estelle is incredibly thorough, very professional and very easy to get on with." "She is a meticulous advocate and very attentive to clients' needs." "She is very efficient, terrific in her drafting and good on her feet." Chambers and Partners 2022
Environment - "A determined and tenacious advocate, whose oral and written advocacy is nuanced, well-reasoned and highly effective." Legal 500 2022
Administrative and Public Law - "Estelle always presents her arguments in an articulate and persuasive fashion, whether in court or in conference. She also has the ability to put her professional and lay clients at ease, inspiring confidence in all that work with her." Legal 500 2022
Data Protection - "A highly experienced data protection expert who delivers practical compliance advice and excellent strategy on breach-handling." Legal 500 2022
Planning - "Diligent and easy to work with, particularly on thorny issues." Legal 500 2022
Environment - "Well regarded for her recent involvement in fracking cases, in which she has represented NGOs and local residents. She is also frequently instructed in wind farm development disputes. Strengths: "She works extremely hard, thinks fast on her feet and is able to extract the essential facts and points from extremely complex and technical information to best convey legal points." Chambers and Partners 2021
Planning - London -"Dedicates a significant portion of her practice to planning law, frequently representing interest groups, individuals and local authorities in sometimes controversial cases. She regularly appears in the High Court and at public inquiries concerning substantial development proposals. She has been involved in important challenges to energy schemes including fracking. Strengths: "Her pleadings are super accurate, concise and to the point, and well researched and persuasive." "Estelle has great knowledge and great presentation skills. She's a good all-rounder." Chambers and Partners 2021
"Estelle is top-notch. She is a determined and tenacious advocate, whose oral and written advocacy is nuanced, well-reasoned and highly effective and whose grasp of the law consistently impresses. She is good-natured, responsive and easy to work with and quickly builds trust and rapport with clients." Legal 500 2021
"Dogged, hardworking and very good at seeing the bigger picture." Legal 500 2021
"She is passionate about environmental issues and is without doubt one of the very best juniors and an articulate advocate." Legal 500 2021
Estelle is ranked in Administrative and Public Law (including elections); Environment; Planning and Data Protection.
"Estelle is an excellent barrister with a keen appreciation of the law and a fine attention to detail in all that she does. Estelle always presents her arguments in an articulate and persuasive fashion, whether in court or in conference. She also has the ability to put her professional and lay clients at ease, inspiring confidence in all that work with her." Legal 500 2021
"She is passionate about environmental issues and is without doubt one of the very best juniors and an articulate advocate." Legal 500 2021
"Estelle is top-notch. She is a determined and tenacious advocate, whose oral and written advocacy is nuanced, well-reasoned and highly effective and whose grasp of the law consistently impresses. She is good-natured, responsive and easy to work with and quickly builds trust and rapport with clients." Legal 500 2021
"Dogged, hardworking and very good at seeing the bigger picture." Legal 500 2021
"A very strong advocate with a very broad knowledge of planning and environment law." "Any contact with her felt as though she took us from the fourth to the premier division in a few short steps." Chambers and Partners 2020
"She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of both planning legislation and case law, she is incredibly articulate and her paperwork is excellent." Chambers and Partners 2020
"Exceptional - an undoubted expert, she leads with her heart, guided by an exceptionally sharp intellect" Legal 500 2020
"Her expertise spans planning, environment and village greens" Legal 500 2020
"She quickly got to grips with the issues and was excellent in managing the client's expectations." "She is highly intelligent, sharp, witty and incredibly approachable. She provides clear and concise planning advice and is highly respected for the work she has completed on our behalf." Chambers and Partners 2019
"A strong advocate with a solid grasp of strategy." The Legal 500 2018
"She is a brilliant advocate, who has a presentation style liked by the court." Legal 500 2017
"Intellectually outstanding and also pleasant and personable." Chambers & Partners 2017
"Her work rate is impressive, and her attention to detail and tenacity are equally so." Chambers & Partners 2017
"She is thorough, objective and provides sound legal advice." Legal 500 2016
"Her preparation is extremely thorough. She has got really good attention to detail and her advocacy is first-rate." "She has a wonderful manner with clients." Chambers & Partners 2016
Estelle has a broad public law practice. She is a member of both the Attorney General's B Panel and the Equality and Human Rights Commission B Panel of counsel.
Estelle regularly undertakes work in human rights and has a particualr specialism in the intersection of human rights and climate justice. Her work includes:
Judicial review is a significant part of Estelle's practice and she has particular experience in drafting quickly and accurately in order to make urgent applications to the Administrative Court.
Estelle has a specialist practice in election law, and has represented both Petitioners and Returning Officers in challenges to the conduct of elections. She also has experience representing parties before the High Court and before Election Commissioners. She advises widely in the field of election law, including on matters concerning party spending at elections and the declaration of campaigning activities.
Estelle regularly advises and appears in matters concerning information law under the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018; and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. She has experience appearing before the Information Tribunal at First-tier and Upper Tribunal levels, and is a contributor to Coppel's Information Rights (4th edn).
Estelle undertakes inquest work, including death in custody inquests and an inquest touching a death in which medical negligence was in issue. She has experience in representing both families and government departments.
Human rights
Estelle is regularly involved in matters with a human rights aspect and has experience in:
• The right to life and physical integrity in the context of a safe and healthy environment;
• The rights of individuals with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010;
• The right of journalists to access information;
• The right to freedom of expression in the arena of intellectual property;
• The right to private and family life in the arena of healthcare provision;
• The human rights compliance of various proposed amendments to the court system in another jurisdiction;
• The human rights compliance of various local authority decisions, including in the arena of community care;
• The right to private and family life and the cultural rights of gypsy and traveller people in the arena of planning restrictions on the use of land.
Estelle has significant experience advising and appearing for local authorities in a wide range of matters. Her work in this area covers the full gamut of local authority law, from constitutional and vires issues to equality duties; from the conduct of elections to freedom of information and data protection issues. Estelle has particular experience in environmental protection matters, including conducting prosecutions in Magistrates' and Crown Courts.
Estelle also advises individuals in matters concerning freedom of information and data protection requests to local authorities and in challenging the conduct of elections.
Governance and powers
Estelle has significant experience advising local authorities in matters concerning constitutional and vires issues. She also has expertise in the area of equality duties and has a specialist practice advising and appearing in matters concerning the conduct of elections.
Estelle has extensive experience advising and appearing on behalf of local authorities and individuals in matters concerning the conduct of elected and co-opted members. Before the changes wrought by the Localism Act 2011, Estelle appeared in one of the leading cases on the meaning of acting in an official capacity. Since the new regime has been in place, local authorities and individuals are still in need of advice and representation in matters concerning standards of conduct, and Estelle is well-placed to assist.
Information law
Estelle has been practising in data protection for over 10 years. She is an expert on the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 and is a member of the European Commission's Multistakeholder Expert Group on the GDPR. She advises a wide client base, including DPOs (both internal and external), large multi-national companies, public authorities, charities and individuals. She recently drafted an information sharing agreement for a group of over 40 local authorities, schools and other public service organisations, and advised on privacy notices for a UK-wide ANPR company and a national children's charity. Estelle has particular interest and expertise in big data, profiling, artificial intelligence and machine learning, on which she has been advising insurance companies and tech start-ups. Estelle's advocacy work in data protection includes County Court, High Court and Court of Appeal challenges concerning individual rights. She is appearing on behalf of an individual in the Court of Appeal in October 2018 on a previously unlitigated point about when it is lawful for an employer to receive and use information from a policing body.
Estelle also has long experience in advising on access to information under FOIA and the Environmental Information Regulations. She regularly assists local authorities and other public bodies in responding to requests. Estelle also has experience conducting appeals before the Information Tribunal and is currently involved in an appeal before the Upper Tribunal which will reconsider the temporal reference point of analysing the public interest in disclosure (ie revisiting the case law that the public interest be assessed at the date of the public authority's decision rather than at the date of any subsequent assessment by the Tribunal).
Estelle has significant experience in planning and environmental matters, with an emphasis on climate change and advising on net zero infrastructure and development. In the field of environmental law, Estelle acted for Friends of the Earth at the six week inquiry concerning permission for two fracking sites in Lancashire and has represented the Environment Agency in appeals concerning Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. She acted for the well-known campaigner Mr Frackman in his Supreme Court challenge to the grant of permission for fracking at Preston New Road in Lancashire. She also acted in the Court of Appeal challenge to the lack of emergency planning at the UK's first site for fracking horizontal wells and in the High Court defending the Secretary of State's refusal of an open cast coal mine in Druridge Bay. In 2019 she appeared at an inquiry considering permission for "matrix acidisation" of shale gas in Ellesmere Port. Estelle also regularly advises and appears on behalf of local authorities in matters involving the EIA Directive and the Habitats Directive and has particular expertise in public inquiries concerning the wind turbines and solar farms.
Estelle has particualr expertise in matters concerning planning enforcement and represented the Secretary of State in two key CA cases concerning enforcement: Miaris (2016) and Keenan (2017). She also has experience dealing with neighbourhood plans, and will be appearing in the Supreme Court later this year in Oyston Estates, which will decide an important jurisdictional point about challenges to neighbourhood plans.
Estelle also has experience in infrastructure work, and assisted in preparing the DCO application into the first road scheme to be designated under section 35 of the Planning Act 2008 as a project of national significance. She is currently representing a local authority in the DCOs concerning what will be the two largest off-shore windfarms in the world: Norfolk Vanguard and Hornsea 3.
Green belt and countryside
Estelle has extensive experience appearing in statutory appeals, judicial reviews and public inquiries concerning green belt and countryside issues. She successfully appeared as sole counsel for a local authority in a five-day call-in inquiry concerning a multi-million pound commercial development in the green belt, in which the investigation of alternative brownfield sites was a key issue. She has also dealt with matters involving European Protected species, nature conservation, and the landscape and visual impacts of proposals in countryside locations including areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Historic environment
Estelle has conducted a prosecution under the Listed Buildings Act 1990 and regularly conducts training on the use of the Proceeds of Crime Act in planning enforcement. Estelle also has experience advising and appearing in court concerning the duty under section 66 of the Listed Buildings Act 1990. She successfully appeared for a local authority in a statutory appeal in which a decision of an Inspector granting permission for a controversial wind turbine was quashed, because the Inspector failed to comply with his statutory duty to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the setting of a number of heritage assets which would have been harmed by the turbine.
Estelle has experience of both High Court and inquiry work concerning renewables, in particular wind and solar energy. She successfully appeared for a local authority challenging a grant of planning permission by an Inspector where a wind turbine would cause harm to the setting of listed buildings. She has also appeared for local authorities and interested parties in inquiries concerning turbines and wind farms, including appearing for the Ministry of Defence in a controversial nine-month inquiry into three wind farms in Northumberland.
Energy
Estelle has experience of both High Court and inquiry work concerning renewables, in particular wind and solar energy. She successfully appeared for a local authority challenging a grant of planning permission by an Inspector where a wind turbine would cause harm to the setting of listed buildings. She has also appeared for local authorities and interested parties in inquiries concerning turbines and wind farms, including appearing for the Ministry of Defence in a controversial nine-month inquiry into three wind farms in Northumberland. Estelle has specific experience in matters concerning fracking, in particular high-volume hydraulic fracturing.
At a high-profile planning inquiry concerning fracking, Estelle's client remarked on her "excellent and hugely appreciated work". One of the residents' groups participating in the inquiry also noted that "Estelle [was] truly awesome. The points that [she] raised and the manner [she] did it in was nothing short of superb."
Estelle is a member of Chambers' Inquest Team. She has experience appearing for interested persons in inquests into death following medical treatment and Article 2 inquests concerning deaths in prison. She has appeared for the family and for the Ministry of Justice.
Estelle has also undertaken work arising from inquests, including:
Estelle has been practising in data protection for nearly 10 years. She is an expert on the GDPR and advises a wide client base, including DPOs (both internal and external), large multi-national companies, public authorities, charities and individuals. She recently drafted an information sharing agreement for a group of over 40 local authorities, schools and other public service organisations, and advised on privacy notices for a UK-wide ANPR company and a national children's charity. Estelle has particular interest and expertise in big data, profiling, artificial intelligence and machine learning, on which she has been advising insurance companies and tech start-ups.
Estelle's advocacy work in data protection includes County Court, High Court and Court of Appeal challenges concerning individual rights. She is appearing on behalf of an individual in the Court of Appeal in October 2018 on a previously unlitigated point about when it is lawful for an employer to receive and use information from a policing body.
As part of assisting with GDPR compliance, Estelle also provides data protection training. She delivers bespoke sessions designed to ensure staff and/or management buy-in to the GDPR. She recently delivered 14 sessions at a global publishing company in order to train the whole workforce on GDPR. She also worked with the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing to deliver the Professional Certificate in GDPR, which won the award for best training at the memcom awards.
Estelle is a member of the European Commission's Multistakeholder Expert Group on the GDPR, which assists the Commission in dealing with potential challenges in implementing the GDPR across Europe. She also speaks regularly on data protection and the GDPR. She is speaking in June 2018 at the World Legal AI Summit in Barcelona and in October 2018 at the PDP Annual Data Protection Conference.
30th October 2018
The Upper Tribunal has recently granted permission in an appeal in which it will look again at the question of what the correct 'temporal point' is for it to consider the public interest test.
In this article published by Freedom of Infomation, Estelle discusses whether the public interest should be considered at the time the decision was made by the public body, or at the time the Tribunal makes its decision on any appeal.
1st April 2018
Recent enforcement action by the Information Commissioner has shone a light on the difficulties that public authorities face when responding to information requests resulting from a major incident of national interest, such as the Grenfell Tower fire.
In this article published by the Freedom of Information journal, Estelle highlights the three main lessons that can be learned from the Grenfell decision notices.
1st March 2018
'Fair, Lawful, Legitimate and Transparent Processing', in Peter Carey, Data Protection: a practical Guide to UK and EU law, (5th ed, Oxford University Press, 2018) 42-65 (with Peter Carey).
1st August 2016
Estelle Dehon has written an article for the Freedom of Information Journal explaining the important factors to be considered when applying the public interest balancing test. Estelle considers the nature of public interest in disclosure and the framework of tribunal and court decisions within which decision makers can operate to discern and evaluate the factors relevant to the public interest in disclosure.
Click here to read the full article.
25th May 2016
Estelle Dehon of Cornerstone Barristers was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live about the decision by North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee to grant approval for plans to frack for shale gas near to Kirby Misperton. Estelle discussed the legal implications of the decision and the possibility of judicial review.
Estelle was recently instructed in relation to the fracking inquiry concerning Lancashire County Council's decision to refuse planning permission for fracking developments in Lancashire earlier this year.
29th January 2016
Estelle Dehon and Ashley Bowes have co-presented a webinar on fracking regulation and planning law for LexisNexis. The webinar provides practical guidance on a range of issues including:
Estelle and Ashley regularly advise on major energy infrastructure projects and are currently acting in a series of planning appeals concerning highly contentious fracking sites in Lancashire.
To view the webinar, register on the LexisNexis website.
26th October 2015
Estelle Dehon is quoted in articles from The Guardian and BBC News on the granting of permission to a local residents group to bring a judicial review challenging Lancashire county council's decision to allow seismic monitoring equipment at proposed drilling sites. Estelle Dehon represented Roseacre Awareness Group and its Chair, Elizabeth Warner.
The hearing was also reported on by Drill or Drop.com.
1st September 2015
Cornerstone on the Planning Court, the definitive guide to the new Planning Court produced by Cornerstone Barristers, is now available to buy online and in book shops.
Edited by Tom Cosgrove and written by members of the Cornerstone Planning Team, the guide is the first of its kind to analyse the procedures and work of the Planning Court which was introduced in April 2014.
Designed to be practical and accessible, it is the essential reference for all those who are involved in bringing or defending claims in the Court, and those who have an interest in the broad range of claims that now fall within the Court's remit. The guide will be of particular use to those instructing solicitors and barristers in planning related matters such as planning consultancies, development companies, pressure groups and individuals, as well as solicitors, professional planning bodies and local authorities.
Contributors to Cornerstone on the Planning Court include Michael Bedford QC, Josef Cannon, Estelle Dehon, Emma Dring, James Findlay QC, Robin Green, Mark Lowe QC, Jack Parker, Clare Parry, Asitha Ranatunga and Robert Williams.
For further information on Cornerstone on the Planning Court or to purchase a copy, click here.
2nd May 2014
Contributing author to Coppel's Information Rights: Law and Practice (4th edn, Hart Publishing, 2014). Author of chapter on The Influence of the European Convention on Human Rights on Information Rights.
Click here for further details.
27th February 2013
When does the use of a dwelling house for commercial holiday lettings amount to a material change of use? Ian de Prez and Estelle Dehon explain the background to a key ruling by the Court of Appeal.
For full article, please click here.
1st November 2012
Contributing author, McManus Education and the Courts (3rd edn, Jordans, 2012): chapters on Independent Schools and Universities.
Click here for further information.
29th March 2012
Contributing editor, Clayton and Tomlinson The Law of Human Rights (2nd edn, Oxford University Press, 2009).
Click here for further information.
21st September 2003
R Goldstone and E Dehon "Engendering Accountability: The Prosecution of Gender Crimes Under International Law" (2004) 19(1) New England Journal of Public Law 121.
Click here for further information.
9th December 1998
Contributing author, Mithani Directors' Disqualification (Lexis, 2012): division on Human Rights.
Click here for further information.
Estelle is a member of the following:
News: Planning and Environment
Estelle Dehon QC is included in the ENDS Report's ENDS Power List 2022
18th May 2022
We are very pleased to announce Estelle Dehon QC has been included in the ENDS Report's inaugural Power List of the most influential environmental professionals in the UK. The individuals featured....News: Planning and Environment
Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill 2022-23 - An overview
17th May 2022
The Queen's Speech is an annual opportunity for the Government to set out its legislative priorities for the coming year. Last week, the Government announced a raft of legislation which....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Judge gives permission for High Court challenge to go-ahead for Bristol Airport expansion
11th May 2022
Estelle Dehon QC represents a local group which has been granted permission for a High Court hearing to challenge the government's decision to allow an expansion of Bristol Airport to....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
In Finch the Court of Appeal declines to define significant indirect effects for EIA
17th February 2022
R (Finch) v Surrey County Council [2022] EWCA Civ 187
....Case: Planning and Environment
15th February 2022
The High Court will today consider the interaction of the planning and nuisance regimes when determining what the lawful "fallback" position would be if a planning permission were not granted.....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
New Chairs of the Cornerstone Public Law Team
10th February 2022
We are delighted to announce that Andy Lane and Estelle Dehon have been appointed as Chairs of the Public Law Team. Andy has a broad public law practice with a focus....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Devolution confusion leads to more coal and a legal challenge
10th February 2022
During COP26 the UK Government talked about consigning coal power to history and the UK signed up to the Global Methane Pledge. Less than two months later, confusion around the....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Council admits it acted unlawfully in removing popular cycle lane
27th January 2022
West Sussex County Council has admitted it acted unlawfully when it decided to remove a popular cycle lane in the seaside town of Shoreham in November 2020. The council's declaration is....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Leeds Bradford Airport expansion to go to public inquiry
19th January 2022
After a wait of almost a year, the Secretary of State has today called in the decision on the proposed expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport, including the construction of a....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Information Law
Legal threat over deletion of sensitive Number 10 party WhatsApp messages
12th January 2022
Lawyers bringing a court challenge against "government by WhatsApp" have today sent the Government a legal letter warning that it should have preserved text messages about parties held at Downing....News:
Estelle Dehon to be appointed Queen's Counsel
22nd December 2021
Cornerstone Barristers are delighted to announce that Estelle Dehon has been successful in her application to be appointed Queen's Counsel. The arrangements for the 2022 ceremony for newly appointed Queen's Counsel....Case: Planning and Environment
1st December 2021
The UK's peatlands store around 3 billion tonnes of carbon, equivalent to all the carbon stored in the forests in the UK, Germany and France together. Blanket bog is also....News: Planning and Environment, Local Government
Briefing note on the Climate Change implications for local government across the UK
24th November 2021
How ready is the legal and governance framework in the United Kingdom to meet the challenge of climate change? Ruchi Parekh, Robin Green, Harriet Townsend, Estelle Dehon and Dr Christina Lienen....Case: Planning and Environment
Environment Agency successfully resists challenge to HS2 tunnelling
19th November 2021
Today the High Court handed down judgment in R(on the application of Misbourne Environmental Protection Ltd) v Environment Agency [2021] EWHC 3094 (Admin), refusing permission to bring a judicial review....News: Planning and Environment
The COP26 Decision: The Glasgow Climate Pact
15th November 2021
COP26 has ended with an agreement, currently Decision -/CMA.3, which will more snappily be known as the Glasgow Climate Pact. Estelle Dehon, who attended the first week of COP26, considers....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment, Inquests and Inquiries, Local Government
Net Zero and downstream emissions in Court of Appeal this week
15th November 2021
On 16-17 November 2021, the Court of Appeal will hear an appeal against the judgment of Holgate J in R (Finch) v Surrey County Council [2020] EWHC 3566 (Admin). The case....News: Planning and Environment
High Court considers judicial review of HS2 tunnel under the Chilterns
27th October 2021
Tomorrow, the High Court will consider whether a judicial review can be brought against the Environment Agency for granting consent for a tunnel under the Chilterns, which forms part of....News: Planning and Environment
Public Inquiry into the expansion of Bristol Airport enters final week
5th October 2021
This week the public inquiry considering the proposal to expand the current capacity of Bristol Airport by two million terminal passengers per annum enters its final stages. The hybrid virtual....Case: Planning and Environment
29th September 2021
Last week, a public inquiry heard expert evidence on climate change as part of an appeal under Section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, against the decision....News: Planning and Environment
Fourth week - Inquiry into the controversial West Cumbria coal mine reaches its final week
28th September 2021
Today kicks off the final week of the public inquiry into the 'called in' application for the UK's first deep coal mine in 30 years, with more evidence due on....News: Planning and Environment
Third week - Inquiry will consider the climate credentials of the proposed new Cumbria coal mine
21st September 2021
Today sees the public inquiry into the 'called in' application for the UK's first deep coal mine in 30 years enter its third week. In its first and second weeks, the....News: Planning and Environment
Cornerstone Planning Day 2021 - Tickets available
20th September 2021
The Cornerstone Planning Team is delighted to host its annual planning conference on Monday 8 November at Royal College of Surgeons of England. Aimed at planning specialists, solicitors, and policy makers, this....Case: Planning and Environment
Cumbria coal mine inquiry considers the need for coking coal in UK and European industry
14th September 2021
The public inquiry into the 'called-in' application for the UK's first deep coal mine in 30 years enters its second week, in which the Inspector will hear detailed evidence on....News: Planning and Environment
Inquiry to consider the proposed new Cumbria coal mine
7th September 2021
A public inquiry into a controversial application for permission to build the UK's first deep coal mine in 30 years opened on 7 September 2021. The application raises a number....News: Planning and Environment
9th August 2021
On 9 August 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the first instalment of its Sixth Assessment Report (due to be completed in 2022), concerning the physical science....Case: Information Law
9th July 2021
Stefania Maurizi, an Italian investigative journalist, will today continue her appeal before the First Tier Information Tribunal, part of her long-running battle for access to information from the Metropolitan Police....Case: Planning and Environment
Legal Challenges to neighbourhood plans and orders: the Supreme Court has the final word
14th May 2021
Today the Supreme Court has delivered judgment in R(on the application of Fylde Coast Farms Ltd) v Fylde Borough Council [2021] UKSC 18. The case concerned the short point on the interpretation....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
After JR Threat, Secretary of State Calls in Cumbrian Coal Mine
12th March 2021
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has decided to call in for his own determination an application by West Cumbria Mining (WCM) for a new mine....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Information Law
Tribunal Provides Written Reasons on FOIA Territorial Limitation
11th March 2021
The First-tier Tribunal has made available its written reasons for deciding that no territorial limitation should be read into the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). The background to the....Case: Planning and Environment
Supreme Court hears R (on the application of Fylde Coast Farms Ltd) v Fylde Borough Council
8th March 2021
On 9 March 2021, the Supreme Court will hear R (on the application of Fylde Coast Farms Ltd) v Fylde Borough Council. The Court will consider the correct interpretation of....Case:
BBC reporting of court proceedings a “catalogue of serious errors”
8th February 2021
The BBC has been fined £28,000 for contempt of court for making an unauthorised recording of court proceedings, and for broadcasting a short extract from that recording in two news....Case: Information Law
Tribunal Confirms No Territorial Limitation in FOIA
28th January 2021
In what may be one of the most important FOIA cases of the year, the First-tier Tribunal has given its decision on jurisdiction in five linked appeals, each of which....Case: Planning and Environment
30th December 2020
R (Finch) v Surrey CC [2020] EWHC 3566 (Admin) On 21 December 2020, Mr Justice Holgate dismissed this challenge to the grant of planning permission for the commercial extraction of oil at....Case:
Net Zero and downstream emissions in court this week
16th November 2020
On 17-18 November 2020, the High Court will hear judicial review claim CO/4441/2019 challenging the grant of planning permission by Surrey County Council to Horse Hill Developments Ltd for production....News: Information Law
Information Tribunal to Review Scope of FOIA Right
7th October 2020
In a case which will likely be one of the most important in recent years, the First Tier Tribunal is to consider 13 linked cases, each of which raises questions....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Information Law
U-turn on A-level algorithm in wake of JR threats
17th August 2020
At 4pm today the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced a u-turn on Ofqual's 'standardised' A-level results, in the wake of an imminent judicial review of Ofqual's algorithm by Ealing A-level....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
Legal action threatened over model ‘standardising’ A-level Grades
16th August 2020
The fallout from the publication of Ofqual’s ‘standardised’ A-level results has been immediate and serious. Leigh Day, on behalf of 18-year old student Curtis Parfitt-Ford, have written to Ofqual claiming....News: Planning and Environment
Cornerstone Quarterly Development - Special Edition
13th August 2020
Last week, the Government published the long-awaited White Paper Planning for the Future. In this special edition of the Cornerstone Quarterly Development, the Cornerstone Planning Team presents analysis and comment covering some of....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Doctors file legal challenge to PPE guidance
10th June 2020
Today two NHS frontline doctors, Dr Meenal Viz and Dr Nishant Joshi, filed a judicial review of the Government's guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), setting out how that guidance....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
Doctors to file legal challenge to PPE guidance
21st May 2020
Two NHS frontline doctors, Dr Meenal Viz and Dr Nishant Joshi, are preparing to file a legal challenge to the Government's guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This guidance, which....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
Legal challenge to the UK Government’s Guidance about Personal Protective Equipment in Hospitals
23rd April 2020
Two NHS clinicians, Dr Meenal Viz and Dr Nishant Joshi, are challenging the lawfulness of Guidance on Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) published by the Department of Health and Social....News: Information Law
Data Protection: A guide for Mutual Aid groups
23rd March 2020
All over the country, neighbours are gathering together in Mutual Aid Groups to support people living nearby during this public health emergency. Some of those groups have asked questions about data....News: Planning and Environment
Estelle Dehon nominated as Women of Influence in planning by The Planner
6th March 2020
We are delighted to announce that Estelle Dehon has been nominated as a Women of Influence in planning by The Planner for the third time. Estelle is a public lawyer....News: Planning and Environment
Justice Week - Interview with Estelle Dehon on climate change
28th February 2020
Estelle Dehon has been interviewed as part of Justice Week in this video produced by the Bar Council. Estelle discusses how the law can be used to advance the fight against....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Chancery Lane Project - UK lawyers unite to combat climate change
26th February 2020
Today the Chancery Lane Project will publish the Climate Contract Playbook and Green Paper for Model Laws, a suite of contracts and laws that will help lawyers around the world....Case: Information Law
Release sought of correspondence between MPS & DOJ on WikiLeaks Journalists
24th February 2020
As Julian Assange returns to court for a further hearing in his extradition case, investigative journalist Stefania Maurizi has filed yet another appeal in her long-running FOIA battle to obtain....Case: Planning and Environment
Oil & Gas Authority challenge heading to the High Court
24th February 2020
A judge has ordered a full hearing to consider whether a government decision to allow the sale of Third Energy, a fracking company, properly considered the risk to the taxpayer....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
Crown Prosecution Service drops prosecutions against Extinction Rebellion protesters
28th November 2019
R (Jones and others) v The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police [2019] EWHC 2957 (Admin)
....News: Planning and Environment
21st November 2019
R (Wright) v Resilient Energy Severndale Ltd. and Forest of Dean Council [2019] UKSC 53
....News: Planning and Environment
Estelle Dehon shortlisted for Chambers and Partners Award
6th September 2019
We are delighted to announce that Estelle Dehon has been shortlisted for Junior of the Year for Planning and Environment at this year's Chambers Bar Awards. Estelle is recognised in Chambers....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Environmental impact of intensive farming – When the manure hits the fan
28th May 2019
Squire v Shropshire Council and Matthew Bower [2019] EWCA Civ 888
....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
Four Cornerstone members appointed to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s panel of counsel
15th May 2019
We are proud to announce that Estelle Dehon, Matt Lewin, Riccardo Calzavara and Tara O'Leary have been appointed to the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) panel of counsel. Head of....Case: Planning and Environment
2nd May 2019
The Committee on Climate Change ("CCC") – the independent body required by the Climate Change Act 2000 and the Infrastructure Act 2015 to give scientific-based policy advice to the government....News: Planning and Environment
Estelle is one of the 55 Women of Influence 2019 in planning
8th March 2019
We are delighted that Estelle has been included as one of The Planner's 55 Women of Influence 2019. This year The Planner invited formal nominations and citations and asked a....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Local Government
New recommendations for councillors from Committee on Standards in Public Life
5th February 2019
On 30 January 2019, the Committee on Standards in Public Life published its long-awaited report on local government ethical standards, reflecting evidence obtained via a consultation exercise carried out from....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Estelle to start a public inquiry into shale gas exploration at a site in Ellesmere Port
11th January 2019
Estelle Dehon will start a public inquiry on 15 January acting for the group Frack Free Ellesmere Port and Upton. Cheshire West and Chester Planning Committee voted against allowing extended....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Information Law
Investigative journalist wins FOI appeal against Met Police
18th December 2018
Maurizi v Information Commissioner and Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis (EA/2018/0071)
....Case: Planning and Environment
Fracking injunction before High Court today
11th October 2018
At 2pm this afternoon Estelle Dehon, led by Marc Willers QC, will be in the High Court before Mr Justice Supperstone asking for an interim injunction preventing Cuadrilla from fracking....News: Information Law
Estelle will speak at the 17th Annual Data Protection and Compliance Conference
8th October 2018
Estelle spoke at the 17th Annual Data Protection and Compliance Conference in London on Thursday 11 October about The new transparency obligations. Please find more information here. ....News: Information Law
Estelle is speaking at SHLA on GDPR for housing providers
6th September 2018
Estelle spoke on GDPR for housing providers: ensuring compliance with your legal obligations at SHLA on 6 September. For more information please follow the link here. ....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
Clare Parry and Estelle Dehon appointed to the Attorney General’s B Panel
3rd July 2018
We are delighted to announce that the Attorney General has appointed Clare Parry and Estelle Dehon to the B Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown for a period of....News: Information Law
Why the GDPR is Like a Puppy. Some Sensible Advice from Estelle Dehon Amid the GDPR Frenzy
25th May 2018
So #GDPRDay has finally arrived. My key message today is simple: Don't Panic! Compliance with the GDPR is a process, which is not supposed to be "complete" by today. Much....News: Information Law
What Changes for the UK Data Protection Legislation? GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
24th May 2018
New data protection legislation No doubt your e-mail inbox has recently sprouted numerous messages from organisations telling you they take your privacy seriously and so are "refreshing" consent or revamping their....News: Planning and Environment
Response to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee's inquiry on fracking
24th April 2018
Some of our planning barristers have responded to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee's inquiry into planning guidance on fracking. You can read the response here. Our barristers have extensive experience in....News: Information Law
11th April 2018
Estelle will give a speech on How to get secret and confidential documents. From FOIA to leaks, the struggle to acquire factual information at the 2018 International Journalism Festival (Perugia, Italy,....News: Housing
29th March 2018
It will not surprise anybody to hear that this has been a busy period for all those involved in housing. On a personal level, that has included a successful appearance....News: Information Law
Estelle will speak at the World Legal AI Summit in Barcelona
28th March 2018
Estelle gave a talk at the World Legal AI Summit in World Legal AI Summit in Barcelona on Friday 8 June 2018 on Legal AI and Data Protection. Please find the presentation here. ....Case: Information Law
The Long Reach of FOIA – Julian Assange and Access to Information
13th February 2018
Introduction Today a senior district judge will rule on whether the arrest warrant against Julian Assange for breaching his bail in 2012 and seeking diplomatic asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy should....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Information Law
UK information tribunal recognises WikiLeaks as a ‘media organisation’
26th January 2018
Information Law Analysis - Estelle's interview with LexisNexis, touching on the implications for Julian Assange of the UK Tribunal ruling WikiLeaks is a "media organisation".
....Case: Planning and Environment
Court of Appeal decides fracking challenge
15th January 2018
Preston New Road Action Group & Frackman v Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government [2018] EWCA Civ 9
....News: Planning and Environment,
12th January 2018
Anti-fracking campaigner Gayzer Frackman today announced his intention to take his fight against the fracking industry to the Supreme Court, following the Court of Appeal's decision to turn down the....Case: Planning and Environment,
Court of Appeal Gives Judgment in Lancashire Fracking Case
12th January 2018
Preston New Road Action Group & Frackman v Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government [2018] EWCA Civ 9
....News: Licensing
Betting industry bracing over new government consultation on gambling
31st October 2017
Betting industry bracing over new government consultation on gambling
....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
Estelle Dehon Appointed to European Commission Expert Group on the GDPR
25th September 2017
Cornerstone Barristers is pleased to announce that Estelle Dehon has been appointed as a member of the European Commission's Expert Group on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to support....News:
LexisPSL - Heavy metal: exploring measures to reduce exposure to mercury
19th July 2017
Estelle Dehon looks at the provisions of the Minamata Convention for an article published by LexisPSL. Estelle considers the objectives of the convention which aims to protect Estelle considers the objectives of....Case: Planning and Environment
High Court clarifies meaning of residential curtilage
23rd June 2017
Estelle Dehon and Ashley Bowes have successfully represented the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government and Test Valley Borough Council respectively, in the most recent consideration by the....Case: Planning and Environment,
Fracking cases to be heard by Court of Appeal
8th June 2017
Jackson LJ has granted Preston New Road Action Group and Gayzer Frackman permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Dove J had previously dismissed their challenges to the Secretary....News: Planning and Environment,
8th May 2017
Environmental campaigner, Gayzer Frackman, has launched a legal challenge in the Court of Appeal against the Government's decision to approve fracking at Preston New Road, near Little Plumpton, Lancashire. The four....Case: Planning and Environment,
High Court dismisses challenges to fracking in Lancashire
12th April 2017
Judgment was handed down today in the High Court challenge to the first decision by the Secretary of State concerning hydraulic fracturing. The challenge was brought by two claimants: a....Case: Planning and Environment,
Government’s approval for high volume hydraulic fracturing challenged in Court
14th March 2017
Today sees the beginning of three days of legal argument in the co-joined cases of Preston New Road Action Group v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and....News: Planning and Environment
LexisPSL - Green belt land versus housing needs
14th February 2017
Estelle Dehon has authored an article for LexisPSL which looks at whether the release of land on Sutton Coldfield's green belt to build new homes will signal the release of other....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Entry Into Force of the Paris Agreement – Legally Binding Climate Commitments and Brexit
4th November 2016
Estelle Dehon comments on the coming into force of the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement on climate change enters into force today, 4 November 2016. It is a significant moment. For....Case: Planning and Environment,
Government grants permission for fracking in Lancashire
6th October 2016
In a landmark decision the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has today granted planning permission for shale gas fracking (hydraulic fracturing) at a site in Lancashire. The Secretary....News:
The Oil and Gas Authority Becomes an Independent Regulator
4th October 2016
As of 1 October 2016, the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) became the independent regulator for offshore and onshore oil and gas operations in the United Kingdom. The Cornerstone Hydrocarbon....News: Planning and Environment
Brexit: Planning and the Environment Outside the EU
6th July 2016
The UK vote to leave the European Union raises significant questions around the potential impact on our domestic legislation. EU law is deeply embedded in our planning and environmental protection regimes.....News: Planning and Environment,
Estelle Dehon discusses Yorkshire fracking proposals on BBC Radio 5 Live
25th May 2016
Estelle Dehon of Cornerstone Barristers was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live about the decision by North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee to grant approval for plans to frack for....News: Public Law and Judicial Review
Estelle Dehon advises at City Hall
6th May 2016
As counting gets underway for the Mayoral Election, Estelle Dehon of Cornerstone Barristers will be at City Hall giving on-the-spot election advice to the Greater London Returning Officer (GLRO). The GLRO....News: Planning and Environment,
Cornerstone Barristers in fracking inquiry underway in Lancashire
9th February 2016
The appeal brought by Cuadrilla against the decisions of Lancashire County Council to refuse planning permission for fracking developments in Lancashire has started this morning in Blackpool. Cornerstone Barristers' Estelle Dehon....News: Planning and Environment,
LexisNexis Webinar - Regulatory aspects of fracking
29th January 2016
Estelle Dehon and Ashley Bowes have co-presented a webinar on fracking regulation and planning law for LexisNexis. The webinar provides practical guidance on a range of issues including:Case: Planning and Environment,
Government to have final say on Lancashire fracking sites
27th November 2015
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government yesterday informed Lancashire County Council that the final decision on planning appeals concerning two fracking sites in Lancashire will be made....News: Planning and Environment
The Guardian and BBC News: Roseacre Wood fracking row
26th October 2015
Estelle Dehon is quoted in articles from The Guardian and BBC News on the granting of permission to a local residents group to bring a judicial review challenging Lancashire county....Case: Planning and Environment,
Permission granted in fracking judicial review
23rd October 2015
Permission has been granted to a local residents group to bring a judicial review claim challenging Lancashire County Council's planning approval for a monitoring array, designed to monitor seismic activity and water quality, proposed as part of Cuadrilla's exploration for shale gas in Roseacre, Lancashire. Estelle Dehon represented the group (Roseacre Awareness Group) and its Chair, Elizabeth Warner.
....News: Planning and Environment
20th October 2015
On Monday 19th October the Cornerstone Planning Team presented a Wales Planning Law Update at our Wales office at One Caspian Point. The day consisted of a morning seminar for Local....Case: Planning and Environment,
Cornerstone Barristers instructed on major fracking planning appeals in Lancashire
28th September 2015
Four members of Cornerstone Barristers have been instructed in the UK's first planning appeals in respect of proposals to develop wells and associated works to carry out high volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) at two sites in Lancashire.
....News: Planning and Environment
Cornerstone on the Planning Court
1st September 2015
Cornerstone on the Planning Court, the definitive guide to the new Planning Court produced by Cornerstone Barristers, is now available to buy online and in book shops.
....Case: Planning and Environment,
Effects of Fracking on the Rural Economy
23rd July 2015
The possible legal ramifications relating to fracking operations have been brought into sharp relief by the recent release of an unredacted version of a report by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra)
....News: Planning and Environment
Practice Update – Appealing a Section 289 decision to the Court of Appeal
20th July 2015
An enforcement notice appeal under section 289 TCPA 1990 is a second appeal, and so it was thought that the provisions of CPR 52.1.4 (reflecting section 55 of the Access to Justice Act 1999) applied and a decision of the High Court could only be appealed if the Court of Appeal determined that the appeal raised an important point of principle or practice or there was some other compelling reason for the Court of Appeal to hear the appeal.
....Case:
Double ‘no’ to fracking – Lancashire County Council refuses Cuadrilla’s two planning applications
20th July 2015
Lancashire County Council has refused two applications for fracking at sites in Lancashire – one refusal (Preston New Road, Little Plumpton) against officer recommendation.
....News: Local Government
Cornerstone on Councillors’ Conduct
26th June 2015
Cornerstone on Councillors' Conduct, the definitive guide to local government standards, produced by Cornerstone Barristers, goes on sale today.
....Case: Planning and Environment,
Fracking in Lancashire: planning applications
18th June 2015
On 18 and 19 June, Estelle Dehon will represent Friends of the Earth at two meetings of Lancashire County Council's Development Control Committee concerning fracking in Fylde, Lancashire
....Case: Planning and Environment
High Court Clarifies Extent Of Ground (F) In Enforcement Appeals
8th June 2015
In the absence of a ground (a) appeal, can the Secretary of State consider under ground (f) alone the planning merits of "lesser steps" which amount to an alternative scheme or to under-enforcement?
....Case: Housing
Government approves nationally important road scheme
3rd June 2015
The Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR), the first road scheme to be designated under section 35 of the Planning Act 2008 as a project of national significance, has been authorised by the Secretary of State for Transport on 2 June 2015.
....Case: Inquests and Inquiries
HM Coroner For Isle Of Wight V HM Prison Service (1 April 2015)
7th April 2015
Successful claim under section 13 Coroners Act 1988 by the coroner for an order quashing the inquisition touching the death of AB, and requiring the coroner to hold a fresh....Case: Inquests and Inquiries
R(Nettlefold) v HM Coroner for East Sussex (25 March 2014)
7th April 2015
Securing directions for the release of a body. Estelle appeared for the coroner.
....Case: Inquests and Inquiries
Inquest touching the death of SO'C (St Pancras Coroner's Court)
7th April 2015
Article 2 inquest following death in prison. Estelle appeared for the Ministry of Justice.....Case: Inquests and Inquiries
Inquest touching the death of AC (Surrey Coroner's Court)
7th April 2015
Article 2 inquest following death in prison. Estelle appeared for the Ministry of Justice.....Case: Inquests and Inquiries
Inquest touching the death of CD (Southwark Coroner's Court)
7th April 2015
Inquest following the death of a man receiving 24 hour care at home. Estelle appeared for the family of CD.....Case: Planning and Environment
No Bias against Double Glazing
17th December 2014
The High Court has dismissed an appeal brought by the owner of a Grade II listed farmhouse, in which it was alleged that an Inspector had displayed bias against double gazed windows, and that this was a reflection of a wider prejudice on the part of planning officers and planning inspectors against the installation of such windows in listed buildings. Estelle Dehon defended the appeal on behalf of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (SSCLG).
....Case: Planning and Environment
Norwich Northern Distributor Road DCO Examination ends
5th December 2014
The Examination into the DCO application for the 20 km dual carriageway Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR) ended on 2 December 2014. The NDR is a £149 m highway scheme which will provide connections between the northern radials of Norwich (including the A1067 and the A140) and the A47(T) at Postwick so unlocking housing and employment growth in the northern suburbs and improving the connectivity of Norwich International Airport.
....Case: Planning and Environment
Court Clarifies Correct Approach To Paragraph 14 NPPF
28th October 2014
How does the presumption in favour of sustainable development, articulated in paragraph 14 of the NPPF, operate in practice? Should all developments that are "sustainable" in the sense of overall....Case: Planning and Environment
Successful Listed Building Prosecution
18th September 2014
A man who dismantled walls and removed timbers from a Grade II listed 18th century farmhouse, in breach of planning permission and listed building consent, has been fined £6,015 and....Case: Planning and Environment
Silver v SSGLC [2014] EWHC 2729 (Admin)
8th August 2014
Demolition may not implement planning permission The High Court has handed down a decision which should act as a warning to those seeking to implement a planning permission merely by carrying....Case: Planning and Environment
26th February 2014
The Court of Appeal upheld the rule that where a High Court Judge refuses leave to appeal under s. 289(6) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against the....Case: Planning and Environment,
North Norfolk District Council v SSCLG and Mack [2014] EWHC 279 (Admin)
17th February 2014
Renewables vs Heritage Assets - High Court Reiterates Importance of Statutory Duty to Preserve Listed Buildings and their Settings North Norfolk District Council v SSCLG and Mack [2014] EWHC 279 (Admin) The....News: Planning and Environment
Major Road Improvement for Norwich
17th January 2014
The Secretary of State for Transport has made Side Roads and Slip Roads Orders to enable the implementation of the £19 m Postwick Hub Improvement Scheme on the A47 at Norwich. The scheme will unlock employment and housing land at Postwick but was opposed by local businesses and residents because of the extra delays it would cause to existing highway users. After a four week Inquiry held in July 2013 the Secretary of State has accepted the Inspector's recommendations in favour of the scheme in a decision made on 8 January 2014.
....Case: Planning and Environment
Postwick Hub Improvement Scheme (8 January 2014)
8th January 2014
Decision and report concerning Side Roads and Slip Roads Orders to enable the implementation of the £19m Postwick Hub Improvement Scheme on the A47 at Norwich Link to the news....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
R(Ozoemene) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] EWHC 2167
13th December 2013
Challenge to the SSHD's refusal to grant British passports to three Nigerian nationals. The court held that it was not for SSHD to establish the claimants' case for them, but....Case: Planning and Environment
Court Of Appeal Clarifies Powers Of Sale Of Allotments
18th November 2013
The Court of Appeal has clarified the powers available to local authorities to sell "field garden" allotments (allotments inclosed under the Inclosure Act 1845, which are required to be held....Case: Planning and Environment
Court of Appeal clarifies powers of sale of allotments
18th November 2013
The Court of Appeal has clarified the powers available to local authorities to sell "field garden" allotments (allotments inclosed under the Inclosure Act 1845, which are required to be held....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
13th November 2013
Challenge to the lawfulness of the SSHD's decision concerning the Claimant's age and to disperse him; interim measures granted and claim then settled with SSHD paying the Claimant's costs....News:
Attorney General's Panel Appointments
20th February 2013
Cornerstone Barristers are delighted to announce that Catherine Rowlands and Clare Parry have been appointed to the Attorney General's Panel of Counsel with effect from 1 March 2013. Their appointments....Case: Planning and Environment
8th February 2013
Mark Lowe QC, Estelle Dehon and Jack Parker have appeared in the Court of Appeal in Walsall MBC and Dartford BC v The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Vodafone Limited and Telefonica Limited [2013].
....Case: Planning and Environment
28th January 2013
The High Court (Chancery Division) has given judgment in a case brought by two allotment holders in which the Court was asked to determine which of two inconsistent powers of sale applied to the allotments in Burstow.
....News:
Cornerstone Barristers welcomes three new tenants.
14th January 2013
Cornerstone Barristers are delighted to welcome three new tenants. Estelle Dehon is a public, planning, environmental and commercial specialist formerly of 4-5 Gray's Inn Square. Shomik Datta has a common law practice....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Buckinghamshire County Council v Mann
14th December 2012
Crown Court Newton hearing; fire safety prosecution....Case: Commercial and Regulatory
White v Kings Gardens Freehold Ltd
1st December 2012
Age discrimination, retirement....Case: Health and Social Care
R(M) v LB Croydon (Admin Court)
1st December 2012
Challenge to lawfulness of Pathway Plan; granted permission and then settled, with costs paid on an indemnity basis.....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
15th November 2012
Challenge to lawfulness of age assessment and dispersal decision; granted permission and claim then settled, with LA required to pay costs after a contested costs hearing in the High Court....Case: Commercial and Regulatory
Olotu v Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
1st November 2012
Constructive dismissal....Case: Health and Social Care
R(G) v SSHD & Birmingham City Council (Admin Court)
15th October 2012
Interim measures granted in age assessment claim....Case: Commercial and Regulatory
Graham v Governing Body of Newlands Girls' School
1st October 2012
Constructive dismissal....Case: Health and Social Care
R(U) v LB Croydon & SSHD (Admin Court)
15th September 2012
Challenge to age assessment and decision to detain Claimant granted permission and then settled, with damages paid for unlawful detention.....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
14th September 2012
Fly-tipping prosecution; jury trial....Case: Planning and Environment
R (Health and Safety Executive) v Wolverhampton City Council [2012] UKSC 34, [2012] 1 WLR 2264 (SC)
18th July 2012
Modification/revocation of planning permission See full text of case....Case: Planning and Environment
Aylesbury Vale DC v SSCLG [2012] EWHC 993 (Admin), [2012] JPL 1254
10th May 2012
S288, building in the open countryside....Case: Planning and Environment
Dartford BC v SSCLG & Vodafone Ltd [2012] EWHC 1756 (Admin)
10th May 2012
Statutory appeal; mobile phone mast; permitted development....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
14th January 2012
Election petition pursued by way of case stated. Estelle appeared for the Petitioner. The petition was eventually withdrawn and the Court clarified that the requirement in the Election Petition Rules....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
14th January 2012
Election petition pursued by way of case stated. Estelle appeared for the Petitioner. The petition was eventually withdrawn and the Court clarified that the requirement in the Election Petition Rules....Case: Commercial and Regulatory
Magic Studio Ltd v French Food Ltd
1st January 2012
Contract claim....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
R (Condliff) v North Staffordshire Primary Care Trust [2011] EWCA Civ 910, [2012] 1 All ER 689
27th July 2011
Examines the interface between Article 8 and the provision of medical treatment See full text of case....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
MC v Standards Committee of LB Richmond [2011] UKUT 232 (AAC)
14th June 2011
Meaning of acting in an official capacity as a councillor See full text of case....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
14th January 2010
Election petition; mistaken declaration of result....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Miller V Bull (Returning Officer Of Herefordshire Council) [2009] EWHC 2640 (QB), [2010] WLR 1861
28th October 2009
Election petition pursued by way of case stated. Estelle appeared for the returning officer. The court held that, where an election petition would be struck out for failure only to....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
16th July 2009
Challenge to regulations abolishing excise duty drawback, raising issues of the requirement for consultation and EU free movement of goods See full text of case....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Brett v Information Commissioner [2009] UKIT EA_2008_0098 (21 August 2009)
21st June 2009
Tribunal challenge to the Information Commissioner's decision to uphold the FCO's decision to refuse to provide personal information concerning Carmen Proetta. The Tribunal partially upheld the IC's decision, but ordered....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Aehmed V Afzal & Anor [2008] EWHC B5 (QB)
2nd April 2008
Election petition tried by Commissioner in constituency over a period of several weeks. Challenge concerned alleged intimidation at polling stations and lies in electoral material. Estelle appeared as junior counsel....Estelle Dehon QC is included in the ENDS Report's ENDS Power List 2022
18th May 2022
We are very pleased to announce Estelle Dehon QC has been included in the ENDS Report's inaugural Power List of the most influential environmental professionals in the UK. The individuals featured....15th February 2022
The High Court will today consider the interaction of the planning and nuisance regimes when determining what the lawful "fallback" position would be if a planning permission were not granted.....Council admits it acted unlawfully in removing popular cycle lane
27th January 2022
West Sussex County Council has admitted it acted unlawfully when it decided to remove a popular cycle lane in the seaside town of Shoreham in November 2020. The council's declaration is....Estelle Dehon to be appointed Queen's Counsel
22nd December 2021
Cornerstone Barristers are delighted to announce that Estelle Dehon has been successful in her application to be appointed Queen's Counsel. The arrangements for the 2022 ceremony for newly appointed Queen's Counsel....1st December 2021
The UK's peatlands store around 3 billion tonnes of carbon, equivalent to all the carbon stored in the forests in the UK, Germany and France together. Blanket bog is also....Net Zero and downstream emissions in Court of Appeal this week
15th November 2021
On 16-17 November 2021, the Court of Appeal will hear an appeal against the judgment of Holgate J in R (Finch) v Surrey County Council [2020] EWHC 3566 (Admin). The case....Legal Challenges to neighbourhood plans and orders: the Supreme Court has the final word
14th May 2021
Today the Supreme Court has delivered judgment in R(on the application of Fylde Coast Farms Ltd) v Fylde Borough Council [2021] UKSC 18. The case concerned the short point on the interpretation....Tribunal Provides Written Reasons on FOIA Territorial Limitation
11th March 2021
The First-tier Tribunal has made available its written reasons for deciding that no territorial limitation should be read into the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). The background to the....Tribunal Confirms No Territorial Limitation in FOIA
28th January 2021
In what may be one of the most important FOIA cases of the year, the First-tier Tribunal has given its decision on jurisdiction in five linked appeals, each of which....30th December 2020
R (Finch) v Surrey CC [2020] EWHC 3566 (Admin) On 21 December 2020, Mr Justice Holgate dismissed this challenge to the grant of planning permission for the commercial extraction of oil at....Net Zero and downstream emissions in court this week
16th November 2020
On 17-18 November 2020, the High Court will hear judicial review claim CO/4441/2019 challenging the grant of planning permission by Surrey County Council to Horse Hill Developments Ltd for production....020 7242 4986 or 0333 240 0591
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Cardiff: Falcon Drive, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Mid Glamorgan, CF10 4RU
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