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.



Three Public & Environmental Law Academics to Join Chambers
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Gordon Anthony as an Academic Tenant and Dr Eloise Ellis and Dr Ciara Brennan as new members of Chambers’ Academic Panel. Read more

Lord Justice Lindblom Appointed as Senior President of Tribunals
Chambers is delighted that the Right Honourable Lord Justice Lindblom has been appointed as Senior President of Tribunals. Sir Keith Lindblom was a member of Chambers from 1981 (taking silk in 1996) until his appointment as a High Court judge in 2010. Read more

Hard Rock Café Granted Stand-alone Bar licence as Exception to Westminster’s Stress Policy
Hard Rock Café’s international flagship store at Piccadilly Circus, London has been granted a new premises licence to include, for the first time, a stand-alone bar where all customers (both diners and non-diners) can enjoy a drink whilst absorbing the iconic surroundings. Read more


High Court Grants Permission for Judicial Review Challenge to Residential Skyscraper in Birmingham
The High Court has granted permission to proceed with a judicial review challenge to the grant of planning permission by Birmingham City Council in the face of criticisms by Historic England for what would be the second tallest building in the city of Birmingham, a residential block in the city centre and in close proximity to the new HS2 station at Curzon Street. Objectors say the development will have a far-reaching impact on the city centre, particularly on a large number of heritage assets of the highest significance, including Grade I and Grade II* listed assets. Read more





Court of Appeal Grants Permission in Drax Challenge
The Court of Appeal (Lord Justice Lewison) has granted permission to appeal from the High Court’s decision in R (ClientEarth) v SSBEIS [2020] EWHC 1303 (Admin). The case concerns the judicial review of the Secretary of State’s decision to make a development consent order for the construction of two gas-fired units, and related development, at Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire. Read more

Jeremy Phillips QC Chairs International Gambling Panel
At 4pm on Monday 20 July leading licensing barrister, Jeremy Phillips QC, will be chairing a panel which includes the most influential individuals in the UK gambling industry: Read more


Secretary of State Grants First Ever Airport DCO at Manston in Kent
The Secretary of State for Transport has today granted development consent for the first Airport examined under the Planning Act 2008 regime. His decision paves the way for the reopening and development of Manston Airport, near Ramsgate, as a proposed dedicated air freight facility handling up to 10,000 air cargo movements per year. Read more


Richard Honey and Annabel Graham Paul Join PEBA Committee
Francis Taylor Building is delighted to announce that Richard Honey and Annabel Graham Paul have joined the Committee of the Planning and Environment Bar Association. With the Coronavirus-related challenges to planning decision-making at all levels, and the wide-ranging proposals for reform of the planning system and environmental governance, they are both looking forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead. Read more

Gary Grant Advising Volteface on Hemp Cultivation and CBD
Gary Grant, a member of FTB’s new Cannabis Law team, has been instructed to advise Volteface, the leading UK drug-harm reduction organisation, in relation to their newly launched Pleasant Lands campaign. Read more


Jeremy Phillips QC and Michael Fry act on Major Casino Due Diligence
It has recently been announced on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that a very substantial proposed acquisition and associated reverse takeover involving a new listing application relating to the parent company of one of London’s elite casinos, Les Ambassadeurs, has been terminated. Read more