020 7242 4986 or 0333 240 0591 London | Birmingham | Cardiff
Robin is an experienced planning and public law barrister with expertise across a number of practice areas.
He specialises in planning and environment, local authority governance and services, administrative and public law, and property.
Chambers and Partners 2020
The Legal 500 2019
Robin regularly appears at inquiries and in the High Court on behalf of private clients and local authorities. He also appears in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) in property and compensation cases.
Robin is frequently called on to advise on cross-cutting legal problems, as well as on tactical and evidential issues. He takes a commercial and pragmatic approach to litigation.
He has long been ranked in the legal directories as a leading junior in planning and administrative law/local government areas.
Robin is able to accept direct access instructions.
"Completely unflappable and he is able to pick up any part of planning and deal with it with ease." "Very efficient and easy to work with." Chambers and Partners 2020
"Expert at assisting councils with the full range of matters associated with gypsies." The Legal 500 2020
"He grasps issues very quickly, identifies key matters and cuts a clear path. He is always very helpful and very good with clients." "He is very detailed and understands and interprets data very well. He has strength in setting out the issues and dealing with them. His closing statement was sharp, focused and compelling." Chambers and Partners 2019
"A very able and calm advocate with great forensic skills." The Legal 500 2019
"Extremely effective." The Legal 500 2019
"He is a fantastic advocate and is extremely thorough. A pleasure to work with, he is great with planning clients and witnesses." "A tenacious advocate, offering client-focused advice, who is efficient in his delivery and effective in argument." Chambers and Partners 2018
"A methodical researcher, a calm and commanding advocate, and a wise, dependable ally." Legal 500 2017
"He explains points in a way that clients can understand." Legal 500 2017
"Worth his weight in gold. He provides very clear, practical advice, often reducing complex issues to easily understandable summaries. His advocacy is like his approach to providing advice in that it very clearly focuses on the issues at hand." Chambers and Partners 2017
"He is thorough and painstaking, and he emanates assurance." Chambers and Partners 2017
"He is very user-friendly and helpful." Chambers and Partners 2016
"Very calm, well-prepared and thorough, and very generous with his time." Legal 500 2016
"An extremely impressive advocate." Legal 500 2015
Robin's planning practice divides broadly into inquiries, High Court challenges and advisory work. He has extensive experience of a range of developments, including residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. He advises and appears for private sector clients and local planning authorities in cases involving (among other things):
To give a flavour of his practice, the following is a list of some of Robin's planning cases in the past two years:
Robin has long experience advising public authorities and private individuals on the lawfulness of administrative decisions. He has appeared in numerous judicial reviews and statutory challenges, principally in the fields of planning and highways.
For local authority clients in England and Wales, Robin is often called on to advise on:
For example, the topics on which Robin has advised local authorities in the past two years include traffic regulation orders; the adoption of highways; the public sector equality duty; business improvement districts; common land; noise abatement notices; membership of a parish council; community governance reviews; Convention rights and the use of public spaces; street works; petitions; stamp duty land tax; community protection notices; and data protection.
Robin has also appeared in a number of significant public law and judicial review cases, including (in the past two years):
Robin is well aware of the need for expedition in public law challenges and is used to advising on claims at short notice.
Robin regularly advises on property matters, including:
While much of Robin's advisory work is intended to avoid litigation, sometimes it is inevitable. Robin appears in High Court, county court and Upper Tribunal property cases, acting for public and private sector clients. His property cases include:
For many years Robin has advised numerous local authorities (and those affected by their decisions) on a range of local government issues. In addition to specific planning matters (for which see Robin's planning practice area profile), Robin is regularly called on to advise on vires, governance, internal procedure and conduct issues. He has appeared in numerous judicial reviews and statutory challenges involving local authority decisions.
By way of example, in the past two years Robin has advised on traffic regulation orders; the adoption of highways; the public sector equality duty; business improvement districts; common land; noise abatement notices; membership of a parish council; community governance reviews; Convention rights and the use of public spaces; street works; petitions; stamp duty land tax; community protection notices; and data protection.
Robin's local government cases over the past few years include:
Robin was one of the contributors to Cornerstone on Councillors' Conduct.
1st October 2019
Robin was the principal contributor to the Housing section of Volume 18 of the Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents.
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.
1st September 2015
Robin contributed to Cornerstone on Councillors' Conduct, edited by Philip Kolvin QC.
28th January 2014
Contributor to chapter 31: Planning and other strategies.
1st December 2012
3rd September 2012
Volume 18 (Highways and Housing) of the Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents has just been reissued. The Encyclopaedia provides expert commentary and an extensive range of precedents for non-contentious work. Peter Miller was the principal contributor to the Highways title and Robin Green was the principal contributor to the Housing title.
1st January 2007
Principal contributor to the Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents, vol. 18 (Housing) 2007 Reissue.
Robin gives seminars to clients on particular planning and local government issues of interest to them.
News: Planning and Environment
Zoom webinar - Planning Case Law Review
27th May 2020
In this webinar, Tom Cosgrove QC and Robin Green discuss the most significant decisions of the higher courts and their implications for planning in 2020. If you missed the webinar, you can....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
10th July 2019
R (McLennan) v Medway Council [2019] EWHC 1738 (Admin)
....Case: Planning and Environment, Local Government
Threat to historic music venue lifted as noise abatement notice quashed
1st July 2019
A noise abatement notice that threatened to stop live music being played at The Star Inn in Guildford, a longstanding music venue where The Stranglers first performed, has been quashed....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
17th May 2019
Canterbury City Council v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Hollamby Estates (2005) Limited [2019] EWHC 1211 (Admin)
....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
High Court rules that the abolition of two parish councils was unlawful
17th April 2019
R (Britwell Parish Council) v Slough BC; R (Wexham Court Parish Council) v Slough BC [2019] EWHC 998 (Admin)Community governance review – decision to abolish two parish councils – duty....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
18th February 2019
Calor Gas Limited v Norfolk County Council [2019] EWHC 308 (Admin)
....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....Case: Planning and Environment
19th November 2018
A planning Inspector has dismissed an appeal concerning a proposed housing scheme of up to 245 dwellings on land in South Oxfordshire adjacent to Reading. The decision is of particular note....Case: Planning and Environment
9th August 2018
On 6 August 2018, the Secretary of State rejected his Inspector's recommendation and granted outline planning permission for the development of a new mixed-use neighbourhood with up to 800 dwellings,....Case: Planning and Environment
20th July 2018
In a recovered appeal the Secretary of State has refused permission for 120 homes on a field next to the village of Benson in South Oxfordshire. Although the field was unremarkable....Case: Planning and Environment
Lawful development certificate refused for extensive hardstanding next to industrial building
5th June 2018
A commercial site in Elmbridge with a complicated planning history was said to benefit from permitted development rights under Class J, Part 7, Schedule 2 to the 2015 GPDO to....Case: Planning and Environment
Housing scheme next to South Oxfordshire village refused
4th June 2018
An inspector has rejected proposals for a 60-dwelling scheme on land next to the village of Tetsworth in South Oxfordshire. Although at the inquiry it had been common ground that the....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....Case: Planning and Environment
97 dwelling scheme outside Farnham rejected following adoption of local plan
27th March 2018
A scheme for 97 dwellings and an area of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace near Farnham Park was rejected by a planning inspector on the grounds that it would adversely affect....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
R (Crematoria Management Limited) v Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council [2018] EWHC 382 (Admin)
1st March 2018
Crematorium-Green Belt-environmental impact assessment-screening-urban development project-error in report to committee.....Case: Planning and Environment
Major housing scheme deemed unsustainable notwithstanding deficient housing supply
1st December 2017
A scheme for 400 dwellings, 60 independent living apartments, a shop, café and primary school next to a village near Cranleigh has been refused planning permission by an inspector after....Case: Planning and Environment
Appellant's deception robs him of enforcement time limit
20th September 2017
In a rare application of the decision in Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2011] UKSC 15 concerning enforcement time limits in cases....Case: Planning and Environment
Large Housing Development Dismissed Due to Risk to Green Belt
25th July 2017
Robin Green successfully acted for Wycombe District Council in resisting an appeal concerning outline proposals for 131 houses on a former sports ground on the edge of a sustainable Buckinghamshire....Case: Planning and Environment,
Legal challenges to fracking planning decisions
21st November 2016
Last week, two sets of legal proceedings were issued challenging decisions by the Secretary of State relating to hydraulic fracturing proposals in Lancashire. Preston New Road Action Group ("PNRAG") issued an....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....Case: Planning and Environment, Housing
10th August 2016
An appeal against Waverley Borough Council's refusal of planning permission for a 30-dwelling scheme on agricultural land within a strategic gap was dismissed on grounds of harm to the character....Case: Property
Stevens v Ismail [2016] UKUT 43 (LC), [2016] L&TR 21
23rd May 2016
Application to modify restrictive covenants – deed of variation – whether operated as surrender and regrant of lease – whether application lawful....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
Surrey CC v Windsor and Maidenhead RLBC [2016] EWHC 2901 (Admin)
17th February 2016
Traffic regulation order – consultation – sufficiency of evidence....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....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
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: Public Law and Judicial Review
R (Carter) v Swansea City and County Council [2015] EWHC 75 (Admin)
10th November 2015
Windfarm – planning permission – decision-making – lawfulness of conditions....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.
....Case: Property
Parmar v Barnet LBC [2015] UKUT 510 (LC), [2016] RVR 9
22nd September 2015
Compulsory purchase of derelict house – compensation – valuation – home loss payment....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.
....News:
Cornerstone Barristers supports Bar Mock Trial Competition
5th August 2015
Cornerstone Barristers has taken part in a training video to accompany the Bar Mock Trial Competition set up by the Citizenship Foundation, a charity aimed at educating young people about the law, politics and democratic life.
....Case: Planning and Environment
29th July 2015
Development of 240 houses on agricultural land south of New Moor Farm and east of North End, Southminster. APP/X1545/A/14/2224678....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.
....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Planning Magazine: The Planning Law Survey 2015
31st May 2015
Cornerstone Barristers is proud to note that 15 members of our Planning Group have achieved rankings in the 2015 Planning Magazine survey of the planning legal profession. James Findlay QC, Mark....Case: Planning and Environment
Law v Essex County Council [2015] EWHC 329 (Admin), [2015] JPL 731
17th February 2015
School development – whether compatible with a rural location – adequacy of officer's report....Case: Planning and Environment,
R (Carter) v Swansea City and County Council [2015] EWHC 75 (Admin), [2015] EG 1509, 132
22nd January 2015
Windfarm – challenge to grant of permission – adequacy of report – whether evidence required that conditions could be fulfilled.....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
31st October 2014
Allotments – challenge to decision to consent to appropriation for purposes of development – whether application for consent misleading – change in circumstances after application made.....Case: Planning and Environment
R (Lady Hart of Chilton) v Babergh District Council [2014] EWHC 3261 (Admin), [2015] JPL 491
16th October 2014
Nine out of 10 grounds of challenge to the grant of planning permission for industrial buildings close to Grade 1, Grade 2* and Grade 2 listed buildings dismissed. Question of....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
R (Lady Hart of Chilton) v Babergh DC [2014] EWHC 3261 (Admin)
14th October 2014
Planning permission for development affecting listed buildings – adequacy of report – economic justification – adequacy of s 106 agreement....Case: Planning and Environment
24th June 2014
Challenge to grant of planning permission – whether inspector correctly approached development plan and NPPF policy on sustainable development....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Barnwell Manor Wind Energy Ltd v E.Northants DC, English Heritage, National Trust & SSCLG
18th February 2014
[2014] EWCA Civ 137 Court of Appeal rejects Barnwell Manor wind farm appeal, upholds the statutory duty to give considerable weight to preserving the setting of listed buildings. Today the Court of....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
7th January 2014
Redevelopment of warehousing and storage building to provide 51 dwellings - GR Warehousing, Old Station Yard, Old Station Road, Mendlesham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5RT APP/W3520/A/13/2199563....Case: Planning and Environment
R (Stern) v Horsham District Council [2013] 3 All ER 798
28th December 2013
Planning – enforcement notice – defect in service – failure of recipient to appeal in time – prejudice – refusal to withdraw notice – ambit of appeal to Secretary of....Case: Planning and Environment
8th March 2013
In an important decision on the correct approach to development affecting heritage assets, Mrs Justice Lang has struck down the decision of a planning inspector allowing a wind farm within....Case: Planning and Environment
Challenge to wind farm decision awaiting judgment
22nd February 2013
In a rare joint challenge brought by East Northamptonshire District Council, English Heritage and the National Trust, the decision by an inspector to grant planning permission for a four-turbine wind....Case: Local Government
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: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Trail Riders Fellowship v Peak District National Park Authority [2012] EWHC 3359 (Admin)
10th December 2012
The powers of a national park authority to make traffic regulation orders were considered by the High Court (Ouseley J). The authority had made an experimental traffic regulation order, which was....Case: Planning and Environment,
7th December 2012
In East Northamptonshire District Council & Ors v SoS, which involved a challenge to the grant of planning permission for a wind farm brought by, inter alia, English Heritage and....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Proprietary Estoppel in the Court of Appeal
17th November 2012
Joyce v Epsom & Ewell Borough Council – Court of Appeal On 17 October the Court of Appeal reserved judgment in a case where a landowner is seeking to raise a....Case: Planning and Environment
Joyce v Epsom & Ewell Borough Council [2012] EWCA Civ 1398 [2013] 1 EGLR 21
30th October 2012
Right of way – estoppel – dealings between council and claimant's predecessor in title – extent of equity required.....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
24th August 2012
Inquiry work over the past few years has included:Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Planning inquiry into Code 5 homes
24th July 2012
Robin Green appeared for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in an inquiry into whether permission should be granted for houses reaching level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
14th May 2012
The ripples caused by the Cala Homes litigation were considered by Foskett J in a challenge to the decision of the Secretary of State to refuse planning permission in an....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Murphy v SSCLG and Wycombe DC [2012] EWHC 1198 (Admin)
14th May 2012
Challenge to dismissal of appeal concerning a gypsy caravan site in the Green Belt – alleged breach of rules of natural justice by Secretary of State in not allowing further....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment,
National Trust challenge to a wind farm
25th April 2012
Morag Ellis and Robin Green have been instructed on behalf of the National Trust in a challenge to the grant of planning permission for a wind farm within 1 mile....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
The Secretary of State’s attempted revocation of regional strategies create further ripples
21st March 2012
Further ripples from the Secretary of State's attempted revocation of regional strategies. In Murphy v Secretary of State and Wycombe District Council the claimant has challenged the refusal of planning permission....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
22nd February 2012
The Administrative Court gave judgment this week in favour of Hackney LBC in a challenge to the rationality of the local authority's policy for allocation of pitches for travellers. The....Case: Planning and Environment
R (McDonagh) v Hackney London Borough Council [2012] EWHC 373 (Admin)
15th February 2012
Challenge to gypsy caravan site allocations policy – allegedly irrational in requiring applicants to maintain a connection with Hackney and to register annually – challenge dismissed.....Case: Property
Wright v Horsham DC [2011] UKUT 319 (LC), [2011] JPL 1618
22nd September 2011
Refusal of consent to fell tree protected by TPO – compensation – causation – valuation....Case: Planning and Environment
Wright v Horsham District Council [2011] UKUT 319 (LC), [2011] JPL 1618
22nd August 2011
Claim for compensation for cost of underpinning to a property following refusal of consent to fell trees protected by a tree preservation order. Claim contested on grounds of causation. Question....Case: Planning and Environment
Late challenge to a planning permission; discontinuance and compensation
25th February 2011
Late challenge to a planning permission; discontinuance and compensation Thursday, February 25, 2010 R (Usk Valley Conservation Group) v Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Thomas [2010] EWHC (Admin) ...read....Case: Property
Tew v South Northamptonshire Council [2010] UKUT 333 (LC), [2011] RVR 80
22nd September 2010
Compulsory purchase of disused public house – compensation – residual method of valuation....Case: Planning and Environment
Challenge to an emerging Local Development Plan
15th March 2010
Challenge to an emerging Local Development Plan
Monday, March 15, 2010
Persimmon Homes Ltd & Anor, R (on the application of) v Vale of Glamorgan Council [2010] EWHC 535 (Admin)
....Case: Planning and Environment
1st January 2010
A significant case involving two challenges: one to the grant of planning permission in 2005 for a caravan and camping site; the other to decisions taken by the defendant authority in 2008 concerning enforcement and discontinuance. Notwithstanding the lapse of some 3 ½ years between the grant of permission and the issue of proceedings, the court quashed the permission on a variety of grounds arising from differences between the application and the permission.
....News:
R (Clear Channel) v Hammersmith & Fulham LBC [2009] EWCA Civ 2142, [2010] JPL 751
1st January 2010
Advertising control – deemed consent – advertisements on land for more than 10 years – whether material change in display of advertisements – whether deemed consent lost – whether "right to revert"
....Case: Planning and Environment
1st January 2010
Challenge to an emerging Local Development Plan On 15 March 2010 Mr Justice Beatson dismissed a challenge to the Vale of Glamorgan's Local Development Plan preferred strategy brought by two developers that wished to see their own site included in the draft plan as a strategic housing allocation
....News: Planning and Environment
Planning and Local Government issues for Wales
7th September 2009
Planning and Local Government issues for Wales
Monday, September 07, 2009
Chambers was proud to host this essential guide to the latest Planning and Local Government legislative and policy issues affecting Local Authorities at Cardiff City Hall.
....Case:
R (Helford Village Development Co Ltd) v Kerrier DC [2009] EWHC 400 (Admin), [2009] JPL 1386
1st January 2009
Challenge to grant of permission for new jetty and access road – site of special scientific interest and special area of conservation – proposed restoration of mid and lower foreshore – difficulty in achieving this – adequacy of officer's report
Case: Public Law and Judicial Review
R (Moore) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2016] EWHC 2736 (Admin)
21st October 2007
Allotments – consent to appropriate – exceptional circumstances – rationality – human rights....High Court rules that the abolition of two parish councils was unlawful
17th April 2019
R (Britwell Parish Council) v Slough BC; R (Wexham Court Parish Council) v Slough BC [2019] EWHC 998 (Admin)Community governance review – decision to abolish two parish councils – duty....020 7242 4986 or 0333 240 0591
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