020 7242 4986 or 0333 240 0591 London | Birmingham | Cardiff
Wayne Beglan undertakes most forms of local government work and also has a wide private client base. He is able to accept Direct Access instructions.
He has particular expertise in judicial review, planning, housing, regeneration, landlord and tenant, employment, procurement and contractual work for local authorities, RPs, developers and corporations.
"Great to work with Wayne on this local plan. He was brilliant in presenting the Council's case and coordinating the efforts of the Tandridge team. The result will be an interesting test of whether Government and PINS respect Tandridge's very special landscapes and Green Belt ecosystem services or if, despite ONS projections of falling population and household growth, it is just more unthinking housing predict and provide" - John Hoad - Tandridge District Council
"I have instructed Wayne on a significant number of Planning matters over the past few years, including public inquiries, a Local Plan Examination (including hearings), judicial reviews, statutory reviews of a Local Plan adoption and general day-to-day advice. Wayne is a highly skilled lawyer and a confident and impressive advocate, and combines those skills with an innate ability to connect with his clients - both lawyers and Planning professionals. Wayne always seems to think of a point in advance of it being raised by an opponent, and his calm and assured demeanour gives genuine confidence to me and my colleagues whenever Wayne is representing us." - Daniel Bainbridge - Waverley Borough Council
"I highly recommend Wayne for his clear and practical advice in matters. I have instructed Wayne over a number of years in cases that require not only a solid knowledge of property litigation, but also an ability to be sensitive to the needs of the clients. Wayne has excellent client handling skills and a real ability to focus on the key issues of the matter. He is an impressive advocate who is always thoroughly prepared. I have also instructed Wayne to act in mediations where his presence has certainly assisted the parties to reach a sensible agreement." - Mary Walsh - Winckworth Sherwood
"Throughout my 17 years at Brethertons LLP, I have instructed Wayne on behalf of my customers in numerous, complex and high value commercial and civil litigation matters. Wayne's, attention and eye for detail is always second to none. He is flexible and always available to discuss existing or proposed cases and/or just for that 'ad hoc' piece of advice. His approach to customers is tailored to their specific needs, however he maintains a straight forward, honest and open personality. Wayne is always one of my first choice and 'go to' barristers and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him in the areas of law in which he practises" - Sioban Calcott - Senior Associate (TS) Dispute Resolution at Brethertons Solicitors LLP
"I like working with Wayne. He is always impeccably prepared and meets deadlines (no matter how unreasonable). His written advice is clear, thorough but concise. He has a very calm and persuasive advocacy style which Inspectors seem to like. He deals with complicated points with clarity and skill. He is also a really nice bloke." - Duncan Moors, Legal Director at Ashfords LLP
"I was a client of Wayne Beglan who dealt with a number of Judicial Reviews on the Council's behalf. His knowledge base was exceptional and I am extremely impressed with his practical and skilful approach in dealing with a number of complex matters, which subsequently led to a successful result. I have and will continue to recommend him to colleagues and look forward to instructing him in the future." - Pauline Campbell, Senior Lawyer, LB Hackney
"Wayne is an excellent lawyer who offers pragmatic and innovative legal advice. He is very approachable and I have always been impressed with his ability to explain complex legal issues to non lawyers" - Jayne Middleton-Albooye, Head of Legal Services at Enfield Council
Social Housing - "Truly excellent – totally in command of the papers, exemplary in drafting, alive to procedural tactics and with an enviable facility to establish a quick rapport with lay clients when explaining legal complexities and practical implications." Legal 500 2022
Planning - "Intelligent, experienced and very capable." Legal 500 2022
Social Housing -"Junior with a strong reputation for his local government and social housing practice. He routinely undertakes housing work on behalf of local authorities and registered providers, and offers notable expertise across the areas of planning, regeneration and procurement. Beglan has considerable experience of appearing before the High Court and appellate courts, and is noted for his experience of judicial review procedures. Strengths: "He is able to formulate his case into an attractive argument." "He is bright and has a formidable and thorough approach." Chambers and Partners 2021
Local Government - "Versatile junior handling a broad range of local government work, including planning, housing, regeneration and employment matters as well as major challenges to administrative decisions. He regularly represents clients in tribunal proceedings in the High Court and is a familiar face in the Court of Appeal. He is also regularly instructed in claims for judicial review, and has experience of local plan examinations. Strengths: "His written work is concise and to the point - he knows how to focus on the key points of a case. He's also a great advocate and has a good manner in court." Chambers and Partners 2021
Planning - "Handles planning cases as part of his wide-ranging local government practice. He represents both local authorities and private clients. He is regularly engaged in judicial reviews, High Court actions and Court of Appeal cases. He handles issues including CPOs and local plans. Strengths: "He is very down to earth and he's got a good style." "He has a very sound approach and he's very easy to get on with." Chambers and Partners 2021
"Always a pleasure to work with - extremely adept in putting the client at ease no matter what the situation. Very knowledgeable with a deep passion for his work." Legal 500 2021
"He has a robust style, making points clearly and effectively, but lightened by the use of gentle humour, in keeping with the modern approach to advocacy preferred by most planning inspectors." Legal 500 2021
"He is a formidable advocate and I wouldn't want to be on the other side of his cross-examination." "He is really to the point and gives robust advice." Chambers and Partners 2020
"He is very sensible in court and has the ability to read the judge." Chambers and Partners 2020
"He is good in court, friendly to clients and knowledgeable." "He is very good at delivering advocacy in a practical and calm manner. He works well with clients and provides solid advice." Chambers and Partners 2020
"A government panelist handling challenging instructions" Legal 500 2020
"He has in-depth knowledge of the law and good personal skills" Legal 500 2020
"A very clever and highly persuasive advocate." Chambers and Partners 2019
"He gives very clear advice and is a very hard worker." Chambers and Partners 2019
"He always gives an opinion and never sits on the fence, he is good at turning around work and is very reliable. He is very good on his feet and is always very well prepared."Chambers and Partners 2019
"A fine advocate, his preparation is second to none – he is popular with clients and the court." The Legal 500 2018
"Good ability to explain what is required of a client in a clear, concise manner." The Legal 500 2018
"Encyclopaedic knowledge of local government law." Chambers & Partners 2018
"Very good on his feet in the High Court." Chambers & Partners 2018
"A favourite of local authorities." Chambers & Partners 2018
"Always meets tight deadlines and provides excellent advice." Legal 500 2017
"Helpful and reliable." Legal 500 2017
"Very thorough and excellent on his feet." "He provides really good skeleton arguments and is a wonderfully articulate advocate who makes compelling arguments." Chambers & Partners 2017
"A strong advocate in the High Court who is very well structured in terms of his arguments and very clear on what his case is." "A tough cookie." Chambers & Partners 2017
"Brilliant paperwork. He drafts letters which close down complex queries and result in the other side's lawyers waving the white flag." Chambers & Partners 2017
"Very able to grasp the situation and provide commercially sensible advice." Legal 500 2016
"A very good advocate who is highly professional and offers good client care. " - Chambers & Partners 2016
"Has a methodical and well-prepared approach to his advice and advocacy." "He is amiable, down-to-earth, easy to work with, and someone who knows his stuff." - Chambers & Partners 2016
"He's unflappable, and a safe pair of hands." - Chambers & Partners 2016
"He has a strong local government practice." - Legal 500 2015
26th February 2020
In this article for The Planner, Wayne discusses the duty to cooperate (DTC) failures and suggests a solution to the issue.
18th March 2019
In this article published by LexisNexis, Wayne Beglan and Dr Alex Williams discuss Humber Landlords Association v Hull City Council [2019] EWHC 332 (Admin), [2019] All ER (D) 62 (Mar), a case of practical importance to all public authorities engaged in the drafting or revision of policies.
The judgment serves as a stark reminder of the court's central role in interpreting the policy and, in turn, the primacy of the policy itself. It demonstrates that claimants who rely less on the words of the policy and more on individual council officers' summaries of it are unlikely to advance their cases very far.
You can read the article in full here.
23rd May 2016
Wayne Beglan has written an article for Lexis PSL on the decision in R (on the application of XPL Ltd) v Harlow Council, which concerned the issuing of a breach of condition notice. Wayne explains the background to the case and considers how the decision will impact the approach taken by the court when interpreting the scope of planning conditions.
Click here to view the full article. This article was first published on Lexis(r)PSL 23rd May 2016.
1st January 2010
Damien Welfare is a contributing editor on local government matters to Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law (3rd edition, 2010).
Case: Housing, Property
Court of Appeal cooks the (Canada) Goose: final injunctions can be granted against ‘newcomers’
13th January 2022
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and Others v Persons Unknown, London Gypsies and Travellers intervening [2022] EWCA Civ 13
....Case: Planning and Environment, Housing
"Grasping the Nettle": how far into the thicket do you have to reach?
8th December 2021
The High Court has confirmed that the requirement to 'grasp the intellectual nettle' of a previous, inconsistent planning decision does not extend to 'minded to' positions reached as part of....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
2nd July 2021
Today the Planning Court handed down judgment in an important judicial review concerning the correct approach of planning decision-makers in the context of sites presenting serious health and safety risks.....Case: Planning and Environment
Hackney left cold by shiver of Sharks!”
24th September 2020
Wayne Beglan acted for the London Borough of Hackney in achieving an emergency High Court Junction to remove an art installation that was labelled by the Council as a ‘flagrant....Case: Planning and Environment, Local Government
Injunction secured to block illegal development on 40-hectare green belt site
19th August 2020
Wayne Beglan, on behalf of Thurrock Council, has secured a High Court injunction to block illegal development on a 40-hectare green belt site in the region. The injunction prevents and further....Case: Planning and Environment
Inspector approves Harlow Local Plan
2nd January 2020
Harlow Local Plan 2011-2033
....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
Court of Appeal dismisses Waverley Local Plan challenges
1st November 2019
In a judgment handed down on 31 October 2019, the Court of Appeal dismissed conjoined Local Plan challenges brought by POW Campaign Limited and CPRE Surrey to the adoption of....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment, Local Government
Four Cornerstone members to start the examination into the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan
16th May 2019
The examination into the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan opens next week. Cornerstone Barristers will be assisting a number of the main parties. Michael Bedford QC and Wayne Beglan for Luton Council,....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Housing, Property, Local Government
High Court upholds Council’s enforcement policy on private sector landlords
12th March 2019
R (Humber Landlords Association) v Hull City Council [2019] EWHC 332 (Admin)
....Case: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
High Court dismisses Waverley Local Plan challenges
6th November 2018
In a judgment handed down yesterday, the Planning Court has dismissed conjoined Local Plan challenges brought by POW Campaign Limited and CPRE Surrey to the adoption of Waverley Borough Council's....Case: Planning and Environment
NPPF 2018: Key Cornwall Council Strategic Policy applied by Secretary of State
25th October 2018
The Secretary of State by a letter dated 23 October 2018 accepted his inspector's recommendation and dismissed an appeal for the erection of 226 residential dwellings on the western edge....Case: Housing, Health and Social Care
Section 3 HRA 1998 – Limits of Interpretative Duty
1st May 2018
In a ruling with broad implications (WB v W Council [2018] EWCA Civ 928), the Court of Appeal has decided that the interpretative duty imposed on courts and tribunals by....Case: Planning and Environment
Housing land supply in plan-making: Waverley Borough Council adopts Local Plan Part 1
23rd February 2018
On Tuesday 20th February 2018 Waverley Borough Council resolved to adopt its emerging Local Plan Part 1, accepting the recommendations contained in the examining Inspector's report. The plan and report provide....News: Planning and Environment
Luton Local Plan Adopted – Reconciling exporting housing need and the Duty to Co-operate
9th November 2017
On Tuesday, Luton Council unanimously resolved to adopt its emerging local plan, accepting the recommendations contained in the inspector's report. The plan and report provide a useful example of how an....Case: Planning and Environment
Welwyn Hatfield local plan examination opens
22nd September 2017
The Inspector (Mr Melvyn Middleton BA(Econ), DipTP DipMgmt) has opened the hearings in relation to the Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan. Yesterday the inspector heard submissions on legal compliance and the....Case: Planning and Environment
25th August 2017
The Inspector's report on the examination into the Luton Local Plan 2011-2031 has now been published. Luton successfully moved through the Duty to Co-operate stage (Stage 1) and the Strategic....Case: Planning and Environment
The Dunsfold Aerodrome call-in inquiry
11th August 2017
The Dunsfold Aerodrome call-in inquiry has now closed. The inspector will in due course report to the Secretary of State. The inquiry sat between 18 July 2017 and 3 August....News: Public Law and Judicial Review, Planning and Environment
LexisPSL - Queen's Speech 2016 - neighbourhood planning
2nd June 2016
Wayne Beglan has authored an article for LexisPSL on the key points of interest for local government practitioners in the Queen's Speech. In particular, Wayne looks at governance and the extent....Case:
LexisPSL: Queen's Speech 2016 - neighbourhood planning
2nd June 2016
Wayne Beglan has authored an article for LexisPSL on the key points of interest for local government practitioners in the Queen's Speech. In particular, Wayne looks at governance and the extent of powers held by various departments in local government and what this means for neighbourhood planning and compulsory purchase.
....News: Planning and Environment
Lexis PSL - Interpreting the scope of planning conditions
26th May 2016
Wayne Beglan has written an article for Lexis PSL on the decision in R (on the application of XPL Ltd) v Harlow Council, which concerned the issuing of a breach....News: Planning and Environment
R. (on the application of XPL Ltd) v Harlow Council [2016] EWCA Civ 378
20th April 2016
The Court of Appeal has upheld a breach of condition notice issued by Harlow Council in relation to the hours of operation of a sui generis coach depot. The relevant words....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: Housing
21st September 2015
In a recent case the Court of Appeal has held that a local authority offering accommodation to a homeless applicant who complained about its condition, was not obliged to carry out a hazard inspection and assessment before deciding on the suitability of the accommodation offered.
....Case: Planning and Environment,
Balancing waste provision with Green Belt protection
22nd July 2015
By a decision dated 16 July 2015 the Secretary of State, adopting in substance the reasons given by his inspector, has maintained his refusal of a planning permission for a substantial Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility, with a capacity of 380,000 tonnes per annum and volume of 585,000 m3, at land at New Barnfield in Welwyn, following a legal challenge in the High Court.
....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:
Over the Moon - Restrictive Covenants Within Building Scheme Upheld by High Court
15th April 2015
The Chancery Division of the High Court has held that it could infer the existence of a building scheme on the 'Moon Estate' in Gerrards Cross and dismissed an application under s84(2) of the Law of Property Act 1925 for a declaration that restrictive covenants imposed under the scheme were unenforceable by neighbouring landowners. His Honour Judge Behrens QC inferred the existence of the scheme from the imposition of "substantially" similar restrictive covenants imposed in a series of conveyances over 100 years ago, which were found to apply in respect of a defined estate area and to be mutually enforceable between the purchasers of the land.
....Case:
Borough Traveller Injunction Finalised
16th March 2015
On 16 March 2015 the High Court made permanent an interim injunction prohibiting 15 identified members of a travelling family from occupying any one of 26 parks within the London Borough of Hackney, identified as those most at risk from occupation. The Council's claim for an injunction was based both on its ownership of the relevant land and in the exercise of its planning powers under section 187B TCPA 1990.
....Case: Planning and Environment
Secretary Of State Refuses Permission For New Barnfield 380 Tkpa RERF
10th July 2014
The Secretary of State, adopting in substance the reasons given by his inspector, has refused planning permission for a substantial Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility, with a capacity of 380,000....Case: Planning and Environment, Housing
Welwyn Hatfield Council v. SoSCLG & Beesley [2011] UKSC 15
6th April 2014
Welwyn Hatfield Council v. SoSCLG & Beesley [2011] UKSC 15
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
News: Housing
When is a reason a good reason – s.204(2A) Housing Act 1996
13th December 2013
two recent cases the High Court has considered whether there were "good reasons" to extend the 21-day time limit to appeal under s.204 Housing Act 1996: Peake v London Borough of Hackney [2013] EWHC 2528 (QB) and Poorsalehy v London Borough of Wandsworth [2013] EWHC 3687 (QB).
....Case:
Phasing policies can trump need for housing post NPPF
1st August 2013
In dismissing an appeal made by Fairview New Homes from the decision of Runnymede BC to refuse permission for the erection of 89 residential units including 22 affordable units the inspector identified the main issue as being whether the release of the site was necessary to meet the housing needs of the borough and, if not, whether the benefits of the scheme would outweigh any harm arising out of the development.
....Case:
"Super-human" Judge Rules Interim Steps Remain in Force Pending Appeal
16th March 2013
In R (o.a.o. 93 Feet East Ltd) v Tower Hamlets LBC (16th July 2013), the High Court has resolved a question that has troubled licensing lawyers since December 2011, when a district judge ruled that the DCMS guidance was wrong to say that interim steps imposed on a summary review under the Licensing Act 2003 remained in force pending appeal. In refusing permission to apply for judicial review, Dingemans J. ruled that the guidance had been right after all.
....Case: Planning and Environment
LPA has a broad discretion to exclude specific sites from a Neighbourhood Area
15th March 2013
Daws Hill Neighbourhood Forum v. Wycombe DC, SoSCLG and Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd [2013] UKHC (Admin), Supperstone J. On 13 March 2013 the High Court decided that the discretion conferred upon....News:
CPO for Unsustainable By Pass Quashed despite PM’s support
27th September 2012
Mark Lowe QC and Wayne Beglan, instructed by Burges Salmon, appeared for the Mawle Trustees as the sole statutory objectors to the Cogges Link Road CPO inquiry at Witney last November over a period of four weeks.
....News:
28th June 2012
Hackney LBC have succeeded in obtaining an injunction banning a large traveller family from land near Olympics sites. All but one of the family members have been banned from Hackney's 58 public open spaces until after the Olympics have concluded in September
....News:
High Court dismisses challenge to adequacy of planning conditions
16th April 2012
The High Court, in a robust defence of local authority decision making, has dismissed an application for judicial review of Stafford Borough Council's grant of planning permission for a slurry store.
....News: Planning and Environment
Court refuses to grant injunction for removal of weir
2nd April 2012
The High Court, in a robust defence of local authority decision making, has dismissed an application for judicial review of Stafford Borough Council's grant of planning permission for a slurry store.
....News: Property
29th November 2011
The Supreme Court have refused permission to appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal in R(on the application of Garner) v Elmbridge Borough Council [2011] EWCA Civ 891. The Claimant had challenged Elmbridge BC's grant of planning permission for redevelopment, including a hotel, of the Jolly Boatman site opposite Hampton Court Palace
....News:
15th April 2011
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19th October 2009
2-3 Gray's Inn Square was pleased to host this essential guide to the latest Housing issues faced by Public Autorities.
....Case:
Dixon v. LB Wandsworth (No. 2) [2009] EWHC 27 (Admin)
1st January 2009
Case testing whether the rule in (1993) remains good law following the enactment of the HRA 1998.
....Case: Planning and Environment
Welwyn Hatfield Council v SoS for Communities & Local Government & Anor [2009] EWHC 966 (Admin)
1st January 2009
Claim brought under s 288 of the Town and Country Planning Act challenging a decision of an inspector to grant a lawful development certificate in respect of the use of a building which had been constructed for the purpose of use as a barn but which, in fact, had been used as a dwelling house. The case turned upon the true construction of the relevant provisions of s 171B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
....Case:
Glowzone v Brighton & Hove CC [2008] EWHC 2841 (Admin)
1st August 2008
Wayne Beglan acted successfully for Brighton & Hove CC in this challenge to its parking regulation system. The challenge was based on (amongst other things) allegations of abuse of power and anti-competitive effect. The claimant sought, but failed, to cancel 340 PCNs issued to it and failed to obtain the declaratory relief it sought to bind the defendant in its future dealings with the claimant, whilst obtaining a declaration that the defendant's old parking policy was, for about 6 months, unlawful.
Case: Housing
Is a woman's refuge accommodation?
22nd April 2008
R Richards v Ipswich BC & SoS for Communities and Local Government [2008] EWCA Civ 378 A recent decision has sought to clarify this difficult issue and develop a realistic set....Case: Planning and Environment
9th January 2008
The last few days of December saw members of Chambers in the Court of Appeal in three very different cases. The cases were: 1. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council v Ware....Case: Housing, Property
Dixon v Wandsworth LBC [2007] EWHC 3075 (Admin); [2008] EWCA Civ 595
1st January 2008
ayne Beglan acted successfully for the defendant; the court upholding Wandsworth LBC's decision that the claimant was ineligible for housing accommodation.
....News:
Lambeth v SoSCLG & Another [2007] All ER (D) 466 (Nov); [2008] JPL 1004
1st January 2008
High court planning challenge to inspector's reasoning and approach to imposition of conditions. The case related to a planning authority's ability to impose conditions to control use of premises in cases of residential conversion. The judgment resolved conflicting inspector's decision letters which the authority had received on that point (in their favour).
....Case: Licensing, Property
Lee v Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council [2008] EWCA Civ 1013 01.01.2008
1st January 2008
The appellant, a gypsy, claimed that her Article 8 rights had been infringed by the accepted failure of the authority to provide her with a pitch on an existing site or considering whether to provide new pitches. The court clarified the guidance given in Codona (2004).
....Case: Housing
1st January 2008
Wayne Beglan and James Findlay QC acted successfully for Ipswich BC in this joined hearing of two appeals regarding whether a women's refuge constituted "accommodation" for the purposes of the Housing Act 1996 Pt VII.
....Case:
Unacceptable behaviour under s. 160A of the Housing Act 1996
22nd December 2007
Dixon v Wandsworth LBC [2007] EWHC 3075 (Admin)
....News: Housing
Appeal-proof Homelessness Decisions
16th September 2007
Held on 13 September 2007, this is the first in our series of half-day sessions on housing related topics.
....News: Property
Public Sector Housing Conference - CLT
18th January 2007
Three members of Chambers spoke at this well-attended conference:
Wayne Beglan and Peggy Etiebet.
....Injunction secured to block illegal development on 40-hectare green belt site
19th August 2020
Wayne Beglan, on behalf of Thurrock Council, has secured a High Court injunction to block illegal development on a 40-hectare green belt site in the region. The injunction prevents and further....020 7242 4986 or 0333 240 0591
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