Francis Taylor Building

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.

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Nov' 23

Bloor Homes Refused Permission for 180 Dwellings in the Village of Wickwar, South Gloucestershire Following Public Inquiry

Bloor Homes have failed to secure planning permission for 180 dwellings in the village of Wickwar following a public inquiry. Members at South Gloucestershire Council had refused permission, against officer recommendation, in circumstances where it was accepted that the tilted balance was engaged.

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Nov' 23

New 4am Licence Granted to The Bottaccio Group in Camden

At a lengthy hearing before LB Camden’s Licensing Sub Committee James Rankin of Francis Taylor Building managed to secure a new 4am, 1200 capacity, premises licence for The Bottaccio Group who aim to establish a high-end events space located in Camden’s old Town Hall.

"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

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Nov' 23

Bloor Homes Refused Permission for 180 Dwellings in the Village of Wickwar, South Gloucestershire Following Public Inquiry

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Nov' 23

New 4am Licence Granted to The Bottaccio Group in Camden

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Jan' 24

Planning Law Update Seminar for Welsh Local Authorities and Government

Confirmed speakers: David Matthias KC, Morag Ellis KC, Craig Howell Williams KC, Emyr Jones, Annabel Graham Paul, Charles Merrett, Esther Drabkin-Reiter, Mark O'Brien O'Reilly, Dr Charles Mynors.

Confirmed topics:

Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain
Infrastructure Consenting
Nutrient Neutrality
Renewable Energy
Case Law Update
Update from Law Commission

Practical Information

Time: Registration from 9.45am. Seminar from 9.30am - 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.