Public Law

Chambers is renowned for its expertise in all areas of public law, with extensive experience of judicial review and similar statutory challenges and appeals.

Chambers is renowned for its expertise in all areas of public law, with public law issues arising in nearly all of Chambers’ specialist practice areas. Members have extensive experience advising in relation to public law decisions, as well as challenging or defending those decisions in judicial review and similar statutory challenges and appeals.

Members of the team regularly act both for and against public authorities. Chambers’ broad client base includes government departments, local authorities, individuals, corporations, charitable bodies, and other public and private bodies including NGOs.

Chambers’ public law expertise spans a range of specialist areas, including the following:
•   Commercial regulation
•   Competition
•   Education
•   Equality law
•   EU Law
•   Human rights and civil liberties
•   Immigration
•   Licensing
•   Local authority powers and finance
•   Planning and environment
•   Police and prison law
•   Public procurement
•   Social welfare and community care

The public law and judicial review team prides itself on its ability to field the right barrister or team to bring or defend any public law challenge, if necessary at very short notice.

17

Apr' 25

Court of Appeal Upholds Planning Permission for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Appraisal in the High Weald AONB

The Court of Appeal (Sir Keith Lindblom (SPT) and Singh and Holgate LJs) has dismissed an appeal by Frack Free Balcombe Resident’s Association against the High Court’s rejection of its challenge to an Inspector’s grant of planning permission for the exploration and appraisal of hydrocarbons near Balcombe in the High Weald AONB. The Appellant sought to challenge the High Court’s decision on four grounds. Each of those grounds was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which also refused permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

16

Apr' 25

Court of Appeal Overturns High Court and Finds Isle of Wight Permission for 473 Dwellings Unlawful: Greenfields (IOW) Limited v Isle of Wight Council [2025] EWCA Civ 488

Following a two day hearing earlier this month, the Court of Appeal (Singh and Lewis LJJ) has handed down judgment in Greenfields (IOW) Limited v Isle of Wight Council [2025] EWCA Civ 488 overturning the decision of the High Court and finding that the grant of planning permission for 473 dwellings, a café, doctors’ surgery and other associated infrastructure at Westridge Acre Park on the Isle of Wight was unlawful on grounds of a failure to publish the section 106 planning obligation.

"FTB is an excellent set for planning, environment and local government, and is developing stronger expertise in broader public law work. There are very good barristers at all levels in chambers."

Legal 500, 2022

"The clerks are absolutely superb and very quick to get back to you." "The clerks are very efficient."

Chambers and Partners, 2022

"The clerks are good at finding availability quickly in very difficult circumstances." "The clerks are determined to make things work for their clients."

Chambers and Partners, 2022

17

Apr' 25

Court of Appeal Upholds Planning Permission for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Appraisal in the High Weald AONB

16

Apr' 25

Court of Appeal Overturns High Court and Finds Isle of Wight Permission for 473 Dwellings Unlawful: Greenfields (IOW) Limited v Isle of Wight Council [2025] EWCA Civ 488

04

Jun' 25

Judicial Review Costs and Procedure Update

This webinar will provide an update on costs in judicial review and practice and procedure points for those involved in public law litigation.

Chair: Stephanie Bruce-Smith
Speakers: Michael Feeney, Armin Solimani

Practical Details

Date: 4 June 2025
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: There is no charge to attend but places must be booked in advance using the booking link below. Confirmation details will be sent to registered attendees by Zoom.

Book Here