Planning Lawyers

London Planning Lawyers

Planning law plays a key role in the urban development of London, but its application can be complex and time-consuming. The local authority has significant powers to regulate and control the use of land. It takes in-depth knowledge of the system to unlock a site’s development potential and reduce risk.

Our specialist planning team is well-positioned to advise on even the most complex schemes. Whether you are a developer, house builder, land owner, lender or public body, we can guide you through the entire planning process from applications and appeals to enforcement and judicial review.

Our extensive experience includes commercial property developments, residential builds and extensions, brownfield regeneration projects, listed buildings and mixed-use schemes.

Understanding planning law

The UK has one of the most complex planning systems in the world. The rules have evolved over time as a way to balance the need for development while preserving green spaces and the nation’s rich heritage.

To make the system work, there are tight controls over land usage and construction. Even if you own land or have rights over it, you usually cannot develop it or change its use without permission. Legislation, guidance and case law regulate the process for securing consents, and local authorities have extensive powers to enforce compliance with the law.

In cities like London, with limited available space, planning law has additional layers of complexities. Common issues include:

• Development projects that span different boroughs with conflicting site allocations.
• Restrictions on listed building development, which can limit the scope for change and renovation.
• Environment restrictions such those relating to noise pollution, air quality and sustainable development, which are becoming increasingly stringent.
• Meeting affordable housing quotas within projects.
• Community objections, which often arise if the development might change the character of the local area. Public consultations and stakeholder engagement are integral parts of the planning process.
• Transport and infrastructure needs. This is particularly important in London where the integration of new developments into existing transport networks is a significant challenge.

Despite its complexity, when the system is navigated properly, it can unlock significant value in the development site as well as providing benefits for the surrounding community.

Our planning lawyers provide high-end advice to help make that a reality.

Our planning law services

Our expertise covers all aspects of planning for both small and major projects, and includes:

• Planning applications and appeals
• Advice on local plans
• Strategic planning advice, including due diligence before a site acquisition
• Attending at planning committees, inquiries and hearings
• Drafting and negotiating planning agreements (section 106 agreements)
• Advice on highways and infrastructure law including stopping up orders, highway licences and section 278 and section 38 agreements
• Advice on the impact of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations
• Listed Building and Conservation Area consents
• Compulsory purchase and acquisition
• Objections to a third party’s planning applications
• Representation in local authority enforcement actions, including breach of conditions notices, planning contravention notices, stop notices and certificates of lawfulness
• Judicial review and high court challenges

We work with councils across England and Wales, but naturally we most usually deal with local authorities in London and the south east.

Our services related to planning law

The planning lawyers at Osbornes is made up of approachable lawyers who are experienced in the full range of commercial property advice, including:

• Property development – Advice on development projects, from small residential estates to large-scale, mixed-use developments
• Rights of way, rights for utilities and other easements
• Commercial conveyancing – We advise buyers and sellers of commercial real estate such as shops, offices, factories, warehouses, restaurants, hotels and gyms.
• Commercial leases – Agreements between landlords and businesses for leasing commercial property.
• Lease management – Including assignments, subleases, commercial lease renewals, licences for alterations, rent reviews and dilapidation claims
• Commercial property finance – Helping our clients negotiate commercial property funding
• Commercial property litigation – Practical advice to landlords and tenants on all types of commercial property disputes
• Deed of variation for leases – Enabling landlords and tenants to change the terms of a commercial lease
• Property investment – Advising property investment transactions, from single-lease properties to multi-let portfolios
• Commercial property disputes – Advice to landlords and tenants on all types of commercial property
• Liquor licence applications

Why choose our planning lawyers?

Our clients come into contact with the planning system for many reasons. Often, it’s because they need permission as part of a development project. Others may have enforcement action pending or they may be affected by new developments in negative ways.

With years in the field, we typically will have dealt with similar circumstances and can guide you through the options in a pragmatic way.

Our planning team is known for its excellent client service. Whether we’re supporting a private individual, small developer or a national house builder, we are fully vested in our clients’ schemes and take time to understand your goals and working practices. Clients appreciate our attentive service and that we keep them in the loop. It’s one of the many reasons why they work with us, time and again.

To find out more about our planning law services, either call us on 020 4502 7487 or fill out our contact form and we’ll be happy to call you back. Or visit our London offices in Camden or Hampstead to have a face-to-face meeting with our commercial property experts.