Planning

No issue, problem or concern is going to take us by surprise.

Our work in the housing sector, both public and private, goes back many decades. The fact that we have played a major role in helping to frame some of the regulations in this area means that we are perfectly placed to advise clients on all elements of planning law, bringing our knowledge and hands on experience together with our commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments.

Planning law is a complex and ever-evolving area. Every single development which we work on, ranging from small developments to major mixed-use projects, requires an in-depth consideration of planning law, and in particular Section 106 Agreements, which place certain obligations upon the developers and landowners in question.

Knowledge and experience

A cornerstone of our experience is advising on Section 106 Agreements. In addition to regular provisions such as financial contributions and works obligations, we are specialists in and regularly negotiating affordable housing provisions. We advise and negotiate mortgagee exclusions clauses and recycling provisions, which can, if not given the right attention, operate as an impediment to registered providers and their ability to use property for charging purposes.

Our expertise and experience allows us to deal with both local authorities, developers and banks to effectively agree clauses that will meet lender’s requirements knowing from experience exactly what these bodies will and won’t agree with. We are also well versed in negotiating and drafting nominations agreements and deeds of variation to Section 106 Agreements. As we know that our clients value flexibility in factors such as tenure, use, affordability, social renting and service charges, both at the time of pushing the development through and, vitally, in the future, as the market and regulatory framework shift and change.

Our experience extends beyond negotiating Section 106 Agreements. We advise on stopping up or diversion of highways, community infrastructure levy including entitlement to exemptions, planning enforcement and other contentious planning matters.

We are market specialists in advising registered providers and local authorities on major housing regeneration projects including compulsory purchase orders, appropriation and decant strategies. Our expertise also extends to advising individuals, private companies, developers and investors with all aspects of the planning regime and regulatory process.

A specialist team

Our Planning team are all experienced in planning law including public law, property, housing and energy. We keep our clients up to date with planning law updates on new policies and reforms to the legislation.

When it comes to planning issues we’ve covered all the relevant issues time and time again, and our clients can relax in the knowledge that our approach is tailored to meet their objectives.

For more information, please contact one of our specialists detailed on the right hand side.

Get in touch

Hannah Langford

  • London Office
  • Devonshires Solicitors LLP
  • 30 Finsbury Circus
  • London
  • EC2M 7DT
Caroline Mostowfi

  • London Office
  • Devonshires Solicitors LLP
  • 30 Finsbury Circus
  • London
  • EC2M 7DT
Neil Lawlor

  • London Office
  • Devonshires Solicitors LLP
  • 30 Finsbury Circus
  • London
  • EC2M 7DT
Neil Toner

  • London Office
  • Devonshires Solicitors LLP
  • 30 Finsbury Circus
  • London
  • EC2M 7DT
Saghar Roya

  • London Office
  • Devonshires Solicitors LLP
  • 30 Finsbury Circus
  • London
  • EC2M 7DT