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.
Eastleigh Local Plan Inspector recommends Deletion of 5300 Home Strategic Growth Option
Following hearing sessions over the winter, the Inspector examining Eastleigh Borough Council’s Local Plan has recommended to the Council that it deletes the Strategic Growth Option (SGO) in the Plan. Read more
FTB Announces New Tenant Michael Brendan Brett
FTB is delighted to announce that Michael Brendan Brett has accepted an invitation to join Chambers with immediate effect. Read more
Planning Law Survey 2020 - Counsel of Choice
Francis Taylor Building is delighted with Planning magazine’s Planning Law Survey 2020. With 13 silks and 14 juniors named in the survey, Francis Taylor Building’s barristers remain counsel of choice for many. Read more
New Edition of Gadsden & Cousins on Commons and Greens
The new third edition of Gadsden & Cousins on Commons and Greens has just been published by Sweet & Maxwell as part of its Property and Conveyancing Library series. The book explains what qualifies as a village green or common land and the rights and responsibilities that follow from such a classification. It discusses what is and is not permitted on common land and village greens under the current law, including the use and development of the land. Read more
Eagles Flying High
Gregory Jones QC has assisted Crystal Palace Football Club in gaining planning approval for its £20million academy redevelopment. The site - located a couple of minutes down Copers Cope Road from the first team training base in Beckenham - will see the redevelopment of onsite buildings as well as the construction of a new covered full-size 3G synthetic pitch, for all-weather use. Read more
Licensing Hearings During the Coronavirus Crisis
The coronavirus has led to challenges unseen during peace-time. The licensing world is far from immune. On Monday, 16 March 2020 the Prime Minister advised the population to stop visiting pubs, bars, clubs, theatres and restaurants in order to promote social-distancing and so, for a period, help to suppress infection rates. There was no indication when these strictures will end. Tourism is on hold. The inevitable consequence of these steps is that the leisure and hospitality industry is now facing an existential crisis. It remains to be seen whether the recently announced government funding and loans will enable these job-creating, place-making businesses to survive the effective lockdown. Some will, many will not. Read more
Kensington Forum Judicial Review Succeeds: High Court Quashes Permission for Tallest Building in Kensington after Mayor Forced to Admit the Decision was Taken for an Improper Purpose
On 21 June 2019, the Mayor of London granted planning permission for a significant and controversial development, on land at the Kensington Forum Hotel, 97-109 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4DN. Read more
All Three of Chambers' Female Planning Silks Recognised as Women of Influence 2020
Chambers is delighted that all three of our female planning silks have been included in The Planner’s Women of Influence 2020 list. Read more
A259 Littlehampton Corridor CPO Confirmed by Secretary of State
The Secretary of State has confirmed the CPO for the A259 Littlehampton corridor road improvement scheme. The £25m scheme involves dualling a section of the A259 which runs through Littlehampton and surrounding areas on the south coast. The Inspector and Secretary of State agreed with West Sussex County Council, the acquiring authority, that the scheme was needed to improve journey times, reduce congestion and assist in realising development plan ambitions in terms of housing and employment growth for the area. Read more
Judgment on NPPF Para 11(d)(ii) Tilted Balance
Mr Justice Holgate has handed down judgment in Gladman Developments Ltd v SSHCLG & Corby BC & Uttlesford DC [2020] EWHC 518 (Admin), a rolled-up hearing in two linked challenges under s288 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The Judge refused permission, concluding that all four issues were unarguable. Read more