Planning

Our specialist planning law solicitors provide our public and private sector clients with the focus, strategy, organisation and attention to detail needed to operate effectively in the planning system, and our combination of chartered town planners and lawyers enables us to provide a one-stop shop throughout the planning process.

Large projects, such as regeneration and strategic land schemes, are key elements of the work we undertake (both for public and private sector bodies). At Browne Jacobson, we’re dedicated to making the complex simple and finding creative solutions. We help our clients tackle the legal hurdles associated with development projects in order to promote bold and place-creating schemes.

Our legal expertise

We advise on on the full breadth of planning and compulsory purchaser matters, including planning s106 agreements, CIL, planning strategy, planning appeals, compulsory purchase orders, appropriation, public rights of way, habitats law, EIA, SEA, planning enforcement, waste, certificates of lawful use, affordable housing, use classes and judicial review.

Why choose us?

• Our clients: Over 150 public sector clients, including government agencies, local authorities, health and education services, plus private developers, land promoters, landowners, investors, funders, registered social landlords, luxury goods, food and drink, and value retailers.
• Specialists in planning law: A wealth of experience advising public and private sector clients on all aspects of the planning and compulsory purchase law, helping them successfully navigate the complex planning system and achieve positive outcomes.
• More than planning: The team works closely with our environmental specialists and experts in development, construction, property acquisition and disposal, property disputes, highways and regeneration. This ensures advice on all the different elements of a project can be delivered in a coordinated and cohesive manner.
• 12 dedicated lawyers and one qualified chartered planner: Members and legal associates of the Royal Town Planning Institute and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
• A team of in-house barristers: Who can attend court on short notice and provide advocacy for planning inquiries.
• Community-focused: Working with community representatives and undertaking pro-bono planning aid work.

We pride ourselves on working in close partnership with our clients, taking the time to understand the unique objectives, challenges, and commercial realities of their businesses. By building strong relationships and gaining deep sector insight, we are able to provide advice that is not only legally robust but also clear, pragmatic, and focused on achieving commercially sensible solutions that support our clients’ long-term goals.