020 7242 4986 or 0333 240 0591 London | Birmingham | Cardiff
Harriet specialises in planning and environment law, and related property matters (most notably compulsory purchase). Her practice also covers a wide range of matters concerned with the exercise of local authority powers and duties.
Harriet is widely recognised as a leading practitioner in these fields.
Harriet is an independent barrister, primarily working on cases concerning planning and environment law.
Her practice also covers a wide range of other public law issues, mostly those concerned with the exercise of local authority powers and duties, as well as related property matters (most notably compulsory purchase and compensation).
Recent editions of the principal directories praise her for getting to the nub of things easily, for the quality of her advocacy, and for her response to pressure – as well as her knowledge of the law.
Harriet's clients include individuals, public authorities, planning consultants, developers, and solicitors working throughout England and Wales.
Recent work includes:
Harriet is BSc(Hons) in Mathematics and Economics, 1st Class, and was called to the Bar in 1992.
Significant recent cases
Naturally, a proportion of Harriet's work over the past few years is either confidential or incomplete. For specific advice on her experience, please contact Sam Collins for advice.
"She has a careful, analytical approach to problem solving. As an advocate, Harriet is adept and courteous. She is reliable and has a calm and pleasant manner which makes her a pleasure to work with." "She is knowledgeable and very well organised. An excellent advocate who is very confident." Chambers and Partners 2019
"A personable junior who provides prompt advice." The Legal 500 2018
"Enthusiastic, approachable and extremely supportive: her knowledge of compulsory purchase orders is excellent." The Legal 500 2018
"Her advocacy at CPO public inquiries is excellent, and she's very good at getting to the nub of things eaisly. A very good advocate who provides effective and practical advice." - Chambers and Partners 2018
"She provides efficient and practical advice." Legal 500 2017
"'Well liked by clients." Legal 500 2017
"She has excellent knowledge of planning and environmental law. A very surefooted advocate who is without arrogance. She shows good judgement when presenting cases and is very thorough in her preparation." Chambers & Partners 2017
"A wonderful barrister, who is calm, fabulous with clients, fiercely bright and a great advocate." Legal 500 2016
"A knowledgeable and thorough junior" who "makes sure there is a team ethic" - Chambers & Partners 2016
"An excellent advocate at public inquiries; she sees the wood from the trees." Legal 500 2016
Harriet is "thorough and calm under pressure" – Legal 500 2016
Harriet "provides clear and practical advice" - Chambers & Partners 2015
Harriet is an experienced barrister and a specialist in planning and environment law. She is quick and flexible to respond to instructions, sensitive to the needs of clients, and she has the necessary qualities to lead her client's team in big cases against powerful opponents.
She has recent experience of most of the technically complex issues in planning including:
Environmental work outside the planning field includes:
Harriet's recent inquiry work has concerned highly contentious residential development proposals and onshore wind energy development. It has involved evidence and legal argument on biodiversity; heritage law and policy; infrastructure funding; and energy policy.
She is familiar with the different legal and policy requirements in England and Wales.
For significant recent cases please refer to the main Profile or to Cases and News.
Harriet also relishes the work she does on small scale proposals in sensitive locations which raise challenging legal and planning issues, for example basement development in central London, river-edge development adjoining the Thames, and assets of community value.
Harriet's focus is on using her expertise and experience to provide clear and practical advice that is useful for the client. In court, she aims to be courteous, tenacious, and effective.
Most of Harriet's public law work arises within a planning or environment context (for which please refer to the relevant heading). However, she also has notable experience in dealing with the following matters:
Recent cases
1st March 2018
Harriet offers the full range of services of any independent barrister, namely:
Her work takes her across the length and breadth of England and Wales (she enjoys travelling, whether to meet a client or to appear in court).
In addition, Harriet:
Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
How high the permission hurdle? or When is an argument not arguable?
1st April 2019
Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (Brecon and Radnor Branch) v Welsh Ministers, Powys County Council and Hendy Windfarm Ltd [2019] EWHC 621 (Admin)
....Case:
Welsh Government gives onshore wind the green light
13th November 2018
On 25 October 2018 planning permission was granted, on appeal, for a seven turbine windfarm (maximum tip height of 110m and hub height of 69m). The windfarm site lies outside....News: Planning and Environment
5th December 2017
Planning Law in Wales, the consultation published last week by the Law Commission, is a detailed assessment of the planning system, and its statutory framework, with particular concern for the....Case: Planning and Environment
28th November 2017
The High Court has quashed (by consent) the decision of an Inspector to grant planning permission for 14 residential units on land at Barnside, Hook Lane, Aldingbourne, West Sussex. The proposal....News: Planning and Environment
Cornerstone Barristers sponsored the RTPI East of England annual Planning Law Conference
13th November 2017
Cornerstone Barristers sponsored the RTPI East of England annual Planning Law Conference at Downing College, Cambridge, on 10th November. Jonathan Clay, leading counsel for Suffolk Coastal District Council in the Supreme....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Camden successfully defends CPO of Bacton Low Rise Estate
2nd November 2017
In a judgment handed down on 26 September 2017, Mr Justice Dove: • Summarised the principles applicable to CPO challenges• Rejected grounds based on technical procedural breaches which had not caused....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, Housing
Affordable housing policy exclusions small sites, and vacant building credit
16th May 2016
On Wednesday 11th May the Court of Appeal allowed the Government's appeal on all four grounds against Mr Justice Holgate's judgment in West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2015] EWHC 2222 (Admin).
....Case: Planning and Environment
Great Yarmouth Borough Council (Millora Works) Compulsory Purchase Order 2015 inquiry
1st May 2016
Great Yarmouth Borough Council (Millora Works) Compulsory Purchase Order 2015 inquiry (May 2016) representing acquiring authority. Inquiry deferred to enable settlement of objection by the owner of the land, an....Case: Planning and Environment
Taylor Wimpey planning inquiry
24th April 2016
Taylor Wimpey planning inquiry (conjoined), residential development of land at Fairfield Road, Framlingham, representing local planning authority. Decision letter of Inspector John Braithwaite dated 24 April 2016. Issues: housing land....Case: Planning and Environment
24th April 2016
Persimmon planning inquiry (conjoined), residential development of land at Mount Pleasant, Framlingham, representing local planning authority. Decision letter of Inspector John Braithwaite dated 24 April 2016. Issues: housing land supply,....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Freemont (Denbigh) Ltd v Denbighshire County Council
1st April 2016
Freemont (Denbigh) Ltd v Denbighshire County Council, April 2016, FDL's appeal to the First Tier Tribunal from a decision of the Information Commissioner under section 57 of the Freedom of....Case: Planning and Environment
Listed building challenges ruled Totally Without Merit
11th March 2016
Mr Justice Hickinbottom gave judgment yesterday in two related challenges to public law decisions of the Welsh Government concerning the Grade II* listed former North Wales Hospital, Denbigh. This stunning Tudorbethan building has been allowed to fall into a state of abject dereliction by its owner, Freemont (Denbigh) Ltd.
....Case: Planning and Environment
Freemont (Denbigh) Ltd v Welsh Ministers and Denbighshire County Council
11th March 2016
Freemont (Denbigh) Ltd v Welsh Ministers and Denbighshire County Council [2016] EWHC 482 (Admin), Hickinbottom J's judgment following a joint hearing of two matters, both dismissed and ruled totally without....Case: Planning and Environment
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea v SSCLG and M Harold
1st March 2016
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea v SSCLG and M Harold [2016] EWHC 703 (Admin), representing the developer in a section 288 challenge by the local planning authority. 3 storey....Case: Planning and Environment
Crest Nicholson planning inquiry
24th February 2016
Crest Nicholson planning inquiry, residential development of land at Chestnut Park, Kingswood, Glos, representing Kingswood Parish Council, objecting to the application. Decision letter of Inspector Harold Stephens dated 24 February....Case: Planning and Environment
25th January 2016
Owner's planning appeal, 23 Redesdale Street SW3, against refusal by RBKC of planning permission to return a house divided into flats into a single family dwelling house, representing the owner.....News: Planning and Environment
Cornerstone Annual Planning Day
17th November 2015
"From Green to Blue – planning under the Conservatives" The Cornerstone Annual Planning Day, which took place on 16th November at the Royal College of Surgeons, saw a number of planning consultants, solicitors and....Case: Planning and Environment, Housing, Property
Going underground - High Court shines a light on basement development rights
8th October 2015
In the face of rising property prices and a limited supply of land, particularly in central London, the creation of a basement below your property has become one of the most attractive options for extending your home.
....Case: Planning and Environment
29th September 2015
Denbighshire County Council (Denbigh Hospital) Compulsory Purchase Order 2014 made under section 47 of the Listed Buildings Act confirmed by the Welsh Ministers. Owner a company registered in BVI. Harriet....Case: Planning and Environment
2nd September 2015
Taggs Boatyard planning appeal hearing, renewal and investment in boatyard funded by residential development, representing appellant. Issues: views along the Thames, noise and disturbance and loss of daylight to neighbours,....Case: Planning and Environment,
R (Hubert) v Carmarthenshire County Council
11th August 2015
R (Hubert) v Carmarthenshire County Council [2015] EWHC 2327 (Admin) Cranston J - judicial review of the grant of planning permission for a wind turbine.....Case: Planning and Environment
Denbigh Hospital Urgent Works Notice
7th August 2015
Denbigh Hospital Urgent Works Notice: Appeals by owner under section 55 of the Listed Buildings Act against demands for payment rejected by Welsh Ministers. Harriet Townsend represented the local planning....Case: Planning and Environment, Commercial and Regulatory
Down is out in Kensington and Chelsea?
24th July 2015
Yesterday, in Lisle-Mainwaring and Force Foundations v Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea [2015] EWHC 2105 (Admin), Mrs Justice Lang dismissed an application to quash the recently adopted Core Strategy policy governing basement development in Kensington and Chelsea.
....Case: Planning and Environment
Zipporah Lisle-Mainwaring and Force Foundations Ltd v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
23rd July 2015
Zipporah Lisle-Mainwaring and Force Foundations Ltd v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea [2015] EWHC 2105 (Admin) Lang J – s.113 challenge to Core Strategy review, representing Claimants led by....News:
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
R (Williams) v Cardiff County Council
18th June 2015
R (Williams) v Cardiff County Council [2015] Gilbart J - judicial review of the grant of planning permission for a major residential scheme on the outskirts of Cardiff.....Case: Planning and Environment
15th April 2015
Today the 43 Parts of the General Permitted Development Order become 19, as the GPDO 1995 (in its much amended form) is revoked and replaced by the GPDO 2015 with....News: Health and Social Care
Down and Out in Kensington and Chelsea?
4th December 2014
The Borough's Basement policy review takes another step towards adoption
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has received (2 December 2014) an eagerly awaited report from David Vickery, the Inspector appointed to assess the Core Strategy single policy review for soundness. The report, and its Appendix which contains the main modifications he has recommended, can be found here.
....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
1st August 2014
Inquiry into prohibition order made by Oxfordshire County Council relating to a ROMP application. Representing planning authority, 2014.....Case: Planning and Environment
Planning inquiry - Aveley in Thurrock
25th July 2014
Planning inquiry into called-in application for residential led (500 dwellings) mixed use development at Aveley in Thurrock. Representing applicant, 2014.....News: Planning and Environment
2nd June 2014
Planning appeal for South Norfolk District Council: Townhouse Road, Old Costessey. Residential development; 62 dwellings in a special landscape area on land just outside East Costessey near Norwich was approved....Case: Planning and Environment,
Pickles says No Hacheston Solar
2nd June 2014
On the 22nd May 2014 the Secretary of State dismissed an appeal against the refusal of planning permission by Suffolk Coastal District Council for a 25 MW capacity solar farm....Case: Planning and Environment
Bus lane JRs have reached their stop
7th March 2014
Challenges to two decisions authorising Traffic Regulation Orders in Norwich have been refused permission for judicial review in a reserved judgment which followed an oral hearing lasting three hours (see....News: Planning and Environment
Does the former North Wales Hospital have a future?
3rd March 2014
BBC2 included the Grade II* listed hospital, set in the beautiful Welsh countryside just outside Denbigh, in the first Episode of the new series of Permission Impossible. Harriet Townsend acts for....Case: Planning and Environment
R (Jackson) v Norfolk County Council
12th February 2014
R (Jackson) v Norfolk County Council [2014] EWHC 332 (Admin) Elizabeth Cooke - judicial review of two decisions to make city centre traffic regulation orders.....Case: Planning and Environment
R (Mevagissey Parish Council) v Cornwall County Council
27th November 2013
R (Mevagissey Parish Council) v Cornwall County Council [2013] EWHC 3684 (Admin) Hickinbottom J - judicial review of the grant of planning permission for residential development in the AONB.....Case: Planning and Environment
Bulky Goods Conditions - What they mean
4th November 2013
Harriet Townsend was counsel for Great Yarmouth Borough Council in the appeal referred to below. Of great importance to retailers in large out of centre stores, and to planning authorities seeking....Case: Planning and Environment
Certificate of Lawful Use appeals - retail
16th October 2013
Hearing for Great Yarmouth. Certificate of Lawful Use appeals. Interpretation of planning permissions governing the use of three units within the Pasteur Retail Park. Main issues: whether the conditions excluded....Case: Planning and Environment
R (Catt) v Brighton and Hove City Council
3rd October 2013
R (Catt) v Brighton and Hove City Council [2013] EWHC 977 (Admin) Lindblom J - judicial review of two decisions to grant planning permission at the Withdean Stadium.....Case:
R (on application of Stern) v Horsham District Council [2013]
13th September 2013
EWHC 1460 (Admin) [2013] 3All ER 798 Leggatt J: Planning enforcement notices, late service, statutory interpretation, human rights, quashing order.....Case: Planning and Environment
Hearing of certificate of lawful use appeals
10th September 2013
Hearing of certificate of lawful use appeals brought by White Swan Properties seeking to expand the categories of goods capable of being sold at an out of centre retail park....Case: Planning and Environment
Arun District Council v SSCLG and Green Lodge Homes [2013]
1st September 2013
EWHC 190 (Admin) [2013] JPL 1011; Judge Seys-Llewelyn QC: Re-determination - Material Considerations....Case: Planning and Environment
Williams v SSCLG and Chiltern District Council [2013]
13th August 2013
EWCA Civ 958 [2014] JPL 124; Arden LJ, Patten LJ, Beatson LJ : Planning Enforcement; Conversion and extension of agricultural buildings; New stable building in green belt and AONB; Demolition.....Case: Planning and Environment
Williams v SSCLG and Chiltern District Council
31st July 2013
Williams v SSCLG and Chiltern District Council [2013] EWCA Civ 953 – s.289 challenge to enforcement appeal decision requiring demolition of stables in the green belt and AONB.....Case: Planning and Environment
29th July 2013
The risks attending those who alter buildings extensively without the benefit of planning permission have just been thrown into sharp relief by the Court of Appeal which handed down judgment....Case: Planning and Environment
R (Harrison) v Richmond upon Thames LBC
24th May 2013
R (Harrison) v Richmond upon Thames LBC [2013] EWHC 1677 (Admin) Nicholas Paines QC – judicial review of the decision to decline to determine an application for planning permission.....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Compulsory Purchase Order Inquiry
11th May 2013
Compulsory Purchase Order Inquiry for Denbighshire County Council: 7 CPOs within the West Rhyl Housing Improvement Project Area, funded by the Welsh Government, and made under planning powers as part....Case: Planning and Environment
Compulsory Purchase Order Inquiry
6th May 2013
Compulsory Purchase Order Inquiry for Denbighshire County Council: 7 CPOs within the West Rhyl Housing Improvement Project Area, funded by the Welsh Government, and made under planning powers as part....Case: Planning and Environment
1st May 2013
R (Stern) v Horsham DC [2013] EWHC 1460 (Admin); [2013] 3 All E.R. 798 Leggatt J – judicial review of two enforcement notices.....Case: Planning and Environment
No project-splitting for EIA in Brighton
25th April 2013
In Catt v Brighton and Hove City Council [2013] EWHC 977 (Admin) Mr Justice Lindblom has dismissed claims for judicial review of three planning permissions granted by Brighton and Hove....Case: Planning and Environment
Retail Impact decision against Tesco in Basingstoke
9th April 2013
An out of centre Tesco superstore has been refused permission on appeal despite an officer recommendation to approve. The Inspector agreed with the Council, and Asda (whose store anchors the....Case: Planning and Environment
8th February 2013
On 7th February Mrs Justice Swift gave permission for a judicial review of the LB Richmond's decision to decline to determine an application for planning permission under section 70A of....Case: Planning and Environment
6th February 2013
Planning appeal for South Norfolk District Council: Townhouse Road, Old Costessey. Residential development; 62 dwellings in a special landscape area on land just outside East Costessey near Norwich was approved....Case: Planning and Environment
Planning inquiry into appeal by Tesco
1st February 2013
Planning inquiry into appeal by Tesco for out of centre store in Basingstoke. Representing local planning authority. Issues: retail impact, sustainability of highways measures. Tesco's superstore, for Basingstoke and Deane....Case: Planning and Environment
Re-determination – Material Considerations
28th January 2013
Where a planning appeal is quashed by the High Court, it is incapable of ever having had any legal effect upon the rights and duties of the parties.
....Case: Planning and Environment
Williams v SSCLG and Chiltern District Council [2012]
13th December 2012
EWHC 3466 (Admin) [2013] JPL 692, HHJ Anthony Thornton QC. (Overturned by Court of Appeal).....Case: Planning and Environment
11th December 2012
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal against the activation of suspended sentences of imprisonment made in committal proceedings in a long running case concerning a major waste disposal....Case: Planning and Environment
Planning law accords with common sense!
11th December 2012
The High Court so held in giving judgment for the Appellant in Williams v SoS [2012] EWHC 3466 (Admin), a case which has taken over 2 ½ years to work....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Cornerstone Barristers takes part in launch of new online legal encyclopaedia
10th December 2012
Members of Cornerstone Barristers have played a leading role in contributing to a new online encyclopaedia, launched on 10th December 2012. The "Westlaw UK Insight" is an online legal encyclopaedia....Case: Planning and Environment
Oxfordshire County Council v Wyatt Brothers Oxford Ltd and others [2012] EWCA Civ 1921 [2013]
5th December 2012
Env LR D1; Mummery LJ, Patten LJ, Sir Scott Baker: Breach of planning injunction; Committal to prison for contempt of court.....Case: Planning and Environment
Appointment to Government Panel of Planning Mediators
6th November 2012
Harriet Townsend has been appointed to the newly created Government panel of expert planning Mediators. The panel has been created as part of a Government sponsored project designed to unlock....Case: Planning and Environment
CPO refused by Secretary of State for private gypsy site
25th April 2012
The Secretary of State has refused to confirm the Mid Suffolk District Council (Combs Lane) Compulsory Purchase Order 2011, so preventing the delivery of a scheme by a registered Housing....Case: Planning and Environment
Withdean Stadium subject of a planning judicial review again
12th March 2012
The Withdean Stadium in Brighton is to be the subject of a planning judicial review again. John Catt, represented by Richard Buxton solicitors, has been given permission to challenge the grant....Case: Planning and Environment
Peter Trott v Broadland District Council
22nd March 2011
Court of Appeal: Sir Andrew Morritt (Chancellor), Toulson LJ, Sullivan LJ, 17th March 2011 The Court of Appeal has allowed Peter Trott's appeal against an injunction made under section 187B of....News: Planning and Environment
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): What it means for you
19th March 2011
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): What it means for you Saturday, March 19, 2011 CIL is set to be an important measure to allow Councils to ensure development can go ...
....News: Planning and Environment
Is Planning Enforcement facing a New Era?
16th February 2011
Is Planning Enforcement facing a New Era?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law
21st June 2010
We are pleased to announce the new edition of Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law published by Sweet and Maxwell. The new edition presents a concise definition of each expression which forms....Case: Planning and Environment
Denbighshire CC (West Parade, Rhyl) CPO 2010
21st June 2010
The Welsh Assembly Government confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order of part of a terrace on the seafront promenade in Rhyl. The Order scheme will regenerate that part of Rhyl and....News: Planning and Environment
Denbighshire CC (West Parade, Rhyl) CPO 2010
1st March 2010
The Welsh Assembly Government confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order of part of a terrace on the seafront promenade in Rhyl. The Order scheme will regenerate that part of Rhyl and....Case: Planning and Environment
6th February 2010
Planning appeal for Hyde Housing in Hove: 72 flats on previously developed site adjacent to Hove Park. Detailed design issues – amenities of residents, sustainability and the qualities of the....Case: Planning and Environment
Enforcement appeal - clay extraction
6th January 2010
Enforcement appeal for Oxfordshire County Council: the restoration of a clay extraction void. The main issue was the presence of waste unlawfully retained (in breach of enforcement notices and an....Case: Planning and Environment
19th November 2009
Enforcement appeal for Newport City Council: the use of Upfield Farm as an aerodrome. Issues included noise, impact on the conservation objectives of the SPA, lawful use rights. Appeal dismissed....Case: Planning and Environment
11th November 2009
For South Norfolk District Council: planning appeal for development of a substantial Greenfield site outside Wymondham within land subject to a local gap policy. Housing land supply a significant issue.....Case: Planning and Environment
29th September 2009
Planning appeal for Notting Hill Home Ownership instructed by Metropolis Planning and Design: apartments within a conservation area adjacent to a canal in Ealing. Appeal successful on issues of policy....Case: Planning and Environment
30th June 2009
For Brighton and Hove City Council: enforcement appeal concerning the use of retail premises in St James St Brighton by Starbucks for an A1/A3 mixed use. Appeal upheld and planning....Case: Planning and Environment
11th August 2008
Planning appeal for Bellway Homes: residential development on a greenfield site on the edge of Burton Latimer, Kettering. Housing land supply was the main issue. Appeal granted 11th August 2008.....Case: Planning and Environment
Access to proposed gypsy site - guidance on what is permited
11th July 2008
Access to proposed gypsy site – guidance on what is permitedFriday, July 11, 2008 This appeal concerned access to a proposed gypsy site from an unlit classified road: access was found....Case: Planning and Environment
14th May 2008
Enforcement notice appeal: the use of agricultural land for motocross and related activities. For local planning authority. Appeal dismissed with costs of the ground A appeal awarded to the Council....Case: Planning and Environment
10th April 2008
Development of a paddock in Newmarket for retirement housing by English Courtyard Developments. For adjoining owners/developers objecting. Appeal dismissed 10/4/2008. Click here for full text of the decision.....Case: Planning and Environment
CPO for development of Waveney Campus
11th March 2008
CPO for development of Waveney Campus: new offices and laboratories for CEFAS and two local authorities. For acquiring authority. Order confirmed ahead of the grant of planning permission. Click here....Case: Planning and Environment
Wimpey appeal dismissed in Surrey Heath
19th September 2007
Harriet Townsend acted for Surrey Heath Borough Council in successfully resisting Wimpey's appeal, in which planning permission was sought for the demolition and redevelopment of three houses to provide 20....Case: Planning and Environment
Training Session for Kent Secretaries
9th March 2007
Training Session for Kent Secretaries
Friday, March 09, 2007
Case: Planning and Environment
1st January 2000
Major Inquiries020 7242 4986 or 0333 240 0591
London: 2-3 Gray's Inn Square, WC1R 5JH
Birmingham: Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall Street, B3 3EW
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