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.

03

Dec' 24

Appeal Concerning 9-Storey Former Passport Office Dismissed

Planning permission was sought to change the use of the 9-storey former passport office at Globe House to a hotel and flexible Class E use on the ground floor.

21

Nov' 24

Mark O’Brien O’Reilly Obtains Over £1.5m for Council in Unpaid s106 Contributions

Mark O’Brien O’Reilly, instructed by Joe Walker at Sharpe Pritchard, recently obtained summary judgment from the High Court on behalf of a local planning authority in a claim against a developer for unpaid section 106 contributions.

"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

03

Dec' 24

Appeal Concerning 9-Storey Former Passport Office Dismissed

Planning permission was sought to change the use of the 9-storey former passport office at Globe House to a hotel and flexible Class E use on the ground floor.

21

Nov' 24

Mark O’Brien O’Reilly Obtains Over £1.5m for Council in Unpaid s106 Contributions

04

Feb' 25

Licensing update Seminar for Local Authorities in Wales

Confirmed speakers: Jeremy Philips KC, James Rankin, Gary Grant, Leo Charalambides

Confirmed topics:

Martyn’s Law
Tobacco and Vape licensing
Late night refreshment
Sex Establishments

Practical Information

Time: Registration from 2.00pm. Seminar from 2.30 - 5.30pm.
Venue: Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
Booking: There is no charge to attend but places are limited and must be reserved in advance using the online booking form.

04

Feb' 25

Planning Law Update Wales for Local Authorities and Other Government

Confirmed speakers: Morag Ellis KC, Craig Howell Williams KC, Annabel Graham Paul, Dr Charles Mynors.
Confirmed topics:

Infrastructure Consenting
Renewable Energy
Case Law Update
Legislation Update

Practical Information
Time: Registration from 9.30am Seminar from 10.00am - 1.00pm.
Venue: Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
Booking: There is no charge to attend but places are limited and must be reserved in advance using the online booking form.

03

Feb' 25

Planning Law Update Wales for Solicitors, Consultants and Developers

Confirmed speakers: Morag Ellis KC, Craig Howell Williams KC, Annabel Graham Paul, Dr Charles Mynors.
Confirmed topics:

Infrastructure Consenting
Renewable Energy
Case Law Update
Legislation Update

Practical Information
Time: Registration from 2.00pm. Seminar from 2.30 -6.00pm followed by a drinks reception until 7.00pm.
Venue: Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
Booking: There is no charge to attend but places are limited and must be reserved in advance using the online booking form.