Planning Policy & Local Plans

We advise residential and commercial developers on how planning policy and local plans will impact proposed developments or the adaptation of their existing land, properties and developments.  

Planning policy governs how land and buildings are protected, developed and used. It is set at both a national and local level. At a national level planning policy provides a framework around issues such as sustainability, land use, environmental protection measures and heritage issues. At a local level planning policy, it is focused on regional strategies and priorities.

Local plans layer across this policy framework and set out the strategic vision for developments in a particular local authority area. They have typically gone through a public consultation process before adoption and provide guidance for planning applications and developments in the local authority area.

We have detailed knowledge of national and local planning policy and local plans, with practical experience of reviewing developments within local authority areas across the UK against this often complex framework.

We regularly advise on planning policy and the impact of local plans on developments. We can advise on the planning process to ensure requirements are met and that clients are aware of their obligations or potential liabilities. We also provide legal support through the planning appeals process if that is required, and any other statutory challenges. 

Ultimately, clients instruct so that we they can understand the planning context for their proposed development or works and then approach that in a way that stands the best chance of a successful and compliant planning outcome.