News and Resources
Below is a selection of news items, case notes, articles, books and papers authored by members of Chambers.
There is also a separate Archive of Inspector’s Reports in respect of applications to register new town or village greens.
When Size Isn't Everything: Premature Development in York Central
The proposal was for the redevelopment of a petrol filling station and garage for 24 flats. The site was situated within "York Central" - an area identified in the third set of changes to the York City Local Plan as an Action Area for large scale comprehensive development. Read more
Local Plan Policies for Affordable Housing Rejected
Two local plan inquiry inspectors have recently rejected proposed policies requiring affordable housing because the councils were relying on flawed housing needs surveys (HNS). Read more
Guidance on Environment Prosecutions
Skipaway appealed by way of case stated (Skipaway v Environment Agency [2006] EWHC 983 (Admin)) against the decision of the magistrates' court to convict it of six offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 s.33 (6). Read more
"Massive Cow Shed" Rejected for George Harrison Mansion
Masssive Cow Shed" rejected for George Harrison Mansion. Read more
New Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Monuments Book Published
"... a friendly and dependable guide through the complexities of the legislation ..." Read more
PPS 7 Exception Proposal Rejected by First Secretary of State - Test Case
An application for a large dwelling-house in the countryside near the village of Hurstbourne Priors in Hampshire was called in for determination by the First Secretary of State following approval of the scheme by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Read more
Village Greens: The Last Word?
. The House of Lords gave judgement today in the Trap Grounds case - Oxfordshire County Council v. Oxford City Council and Robinson. Read more
2 Harcourt Buildings in Major Boost in Licensing and Regulatory Fields
2 Harcourt Buildings, the Chambers of the Robin Purchas QC, has announced that it has attracted four leading practitioners, expert in the fields of licensing and statutory regulation, to join the set. Read more
Vertigo Inquiry
The long-running inquiry into an appeal by Willbond Limited against the decision by Westminster City Council to refuse planning permission for the erection of five luxury penthouse flats at South Lodge in St John's Wood, London NW8, finally concluded on 12th April 2006. Read more
Drought Order Confirmed
The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the first ordinary Drought Oredr under section 73(3)(b) of the Water Resources Act 1991 authorising Sutton and East Surrey Water to prohibit or limit the use of water for partcular purposes within its area of water supply. Read more