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.
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
New Tenants
It is with great pleasure that we announce the arrival of our new tenants. Harry Spurr and Juan Lopez are joining us with immediate effect as full tenants and Darren Abrahams has become a door tenant to reinforce our European links. Read more
EIA and Reserved Matters - ECJ Decision
The European Court of Justice ruled on 4th May in case C-290/03 that the English regulations prohibiting formal environmental assessment under Directive 85/337/EEC at the reserved matters stage of an outline permission are incompatible with the European Community law. Read more
Apppointment as Chairman of Bishop's Disciplinary Tribunals
With effect from 1 April 2006, Charles George QC has been appointed to the Provincial Panels for Canterbury and York as a Chairman of Bishops' Disciplinary Tribunals, established under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003, to hear complaints of misconduct against priests and deacons at diocesan level, Read more
Court of Appeal Upholds Decision Not to Permit Gypsies to Remain on Site
WYCHAVON DISTRICT COUNCIL v RAFFERTY & ORS (2006) Read more
Thames Gateway Bridge Inquiry Closes
The Inquiry into the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge - from Beckton to Thamesmead - (which considered three planning applications, and bridge, side roads, tolling and compulsory purchase orders) closed on 3 May 2006 after sitting for 89 days. Read more