Planning
UK Guide 2025 : South West
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]About
Provided by Ashfords LLP
Planning law is complex with legislation and guidance changing on a regular basis.
Our specialist planning lawyers deal with all aspects of the development process and advise and support businesses and individuals.
Our approach is tailored to meet your objectives. The Planning Team has in- depth experience including negotiating section 106 and highways agreements on development sites, stopping up or diversion of highways, advising on the community infrastructure levy, and assisting clients with issues such as planning enforcement, certificates of lawfulness, town and village greens and common land, assets of community value, and listed buildings.
The team also regularly advises on contentious planning matters such as appeals, statutory challenges and judicial review, and compulsory purchase orders and compensation.
We have specialist marine planning and licensing expertise, advising on all aspects of coastal development planning, including Harbour Revision, Empowerment and Closure Orders.
Chambers Review
Ashfords has a highly regarded team that often works for major national house builders and with local authorities on residential development projects. The team has recognised experience in infrastructure matters, as well as compulsory purchase and Community Infrastructure Levy issues. The team's work includes advising private and public sector clients on highways matters. It also offers specialist expertise in marine planning, taking on major licensing and coastal regeneration projects.
Work Highlights
- Ashfords advised Waddeton Park in relation to a planning appeal which followed Mendip Council's refusal of an application by Waddington to develop 90 dwellings in Glastonbury.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The service provided by Ashfords is good - clear, prompt and appropriate based on the needs of the job."
"Ashfords are well equipped to deal with all levels of complexity on planning matters."
"They are always proactive and efficient, and make themselves available for ad hoc discussion and questions as they arise."
"The service provided by Ashfords is good - clear, prompt and appropriate based on the needs of the job."
"Ashfords are well equipped to deal with all levels of complexity on planning matters."
"They are always proactive and efficient, and make themselves available for ad hoc discussion and questions as they arise."
Notable Practitioners
David Richardson heads the planning team at Ashfords. Advising on mixed-use and residential developments, he is considered to be a key component of his practice group. He has significant experience acting on behalf of housebuilding organisations, as well as local authorities.
"David is personable, friendly, engaging and professional."
"David is clear, pragmatic and commercially aware."