Local Government

Chambers is highly ranked by the leading independent legal directories for its work across a broad spectrum of local government work including in particular for planning, licensing, local government finance and compulsory purchase.

The Legal 500, 2024 notes that FTB is "one of the leading local government sets with experience across the board in local government law" and a "fantastic set to work with." Chambers and Partners 2023 comments that Francis Taylor Building has "very good level of expertise across the board" and "good-quality work".

Chambers' expertise includes all aspects of local government law and procedures:

Local government powers
- Planning
- Licensing
- Local government finance including rating and the Council Tax
- Compulsory purchase
Highways, Commons and Open Spaces
Election law
Education
Assets of Community Value
Public Procurement
Public health and environment
Maladministration
Standards in local government

Members of chambers have been involved in cases involving the Commissioner for Local Administration, the Parliamentary Commissioner and the Standards Board for England. In Hong Kong members have acted for public utilities and developers on major matters.

Junior members of Chambers also attend secondments at local and public authorities where they advise and appear on a variety of different local government issues.

12

Mar' 25

Oxpens Bridge JR Dismissed by High Court

The challenge to the grant of planning permission for Oxpens Bridge by Oxford City Council has been dismissed. Oxpens Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle bridge designed to enhance connectivity throughout and beyond the designated Oxford West End and Osney Mead “Areas of Change” including along and across the River Thames.

11

Mar' 25

James Pereira KC and Michael Rhimes To Start 12-Week Call-In Inquiry Into c. 8400 Home Extension to Sittingbourne

James Pereira KC and Michael Rhimes represent Swale Borough Council in a 12-week call-in inquiry which the applicants bill as a new Garden Village-style extension to Sittingbourne.

"One of the leading local government sets with experience across the board in local government law" and a ‘" fantastic set to work with."

Legal 500, 2024

"very good level of expertise across the board" and "good-quality work."

Chambers and Partners, 2023

"Areas of particular strength for the set's members include cases relating to local government finances and council tax, as well as complex public health, licensing and highways matters. The team is also regularly called upon to advise on ratings and land valuation matters, and offers considerable expertise in relation to compulsory purchase orders and compensation."

Chambers and Partners, 2022

"The team is highly regarded for its expertise in rating matters, and handles instructions relating to local government finances, council tax, licensing and compulsory purchase orders and compensation."

Legal 500, 2022

"The set as a whole has extremely knowledgeable and hard working barristers with a wealth of experience and offers a good range of barristers within different price ranges."

Legal 500, 2022

12

Mar' 25

Oxpens Bridge JR Dismissed by High Court

11

Mar' 25

James Pereira KC and Michael Rhimes To Start 12-Week Call-In Inquiry Into c. 8400 Home Extension to Sittingbourne

James Pereira KC and Michael Rhimes represent Swale Borough Council in a 12-week call-in inquiry which the applicants bill as a new Garden Village-style extension to Sittingbourne.

24

Apr' 25

Briefing: Mast Quay Phase II Appeal Decision (Hybrid)

The Mast Quay Phase II Enforcement Notice appeal concerned an unprecedented unauthorised scheme of two tall buildings in a prominent position in Woolwich adjacent to the River Thames. Craig Howell Williams KC and Mark O'Brien O'Reilly acted for the Council throughout the enforcement investigation, advised on the Enforcement Notice itself and acted for the Council at the public inquiry, which heard evidence from 25 expert witnesses over three weeks. The enforcement investigation raised questions of both law and fact as to the correct breach of planning control and the correct remedy where a development is, in its entirety, considered unlawful. The Appeal Decision, handed down on 9 January 2025, is noteworthy in particular for its approach to, and consideration of, viability in an enforcement context, intentional unauthorised development, London Plan policies as to tall buildings and design and the use of conditions to secure significant changes to the existing development. The Decision is also noteworthy in that the Enforcement Notice was upheld whilst planning permission was granted. At this afternoon briefing, Craig and Mark will discuss this interesting landmark case and Appeal Decision. Read more about the case in this news item.

Practical Infrormation

Date: 24 April 2025
Time: Briefing from 4.00-5.00pm followed by drinks.
Venue: In person at Francis Taylor Building, Inner Temple, London, EC4Y 7BY
Cost: There is no charge to attend but in person places are limited and must be reserved in advance.
Booking: To attend in person, please complete this booking form or use the Book Now button below. To attend online, please use this booking link.