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Planning and Licensing

Our planning system is notoriously complicated. We can help you to navigate this so that you can move forward with your building or development project. Our planning lawyers provide practical advice on all planning issues, including applications and appeals.

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Planning and Licensing

 

If you are intending to carry out development work on your property or land, it is vital to get the necessary planning permission to avoid any issues now or in the future.

The planning system can seem like a maze of requirements, but our specialist planning lawyers are on hand to cut through the complexities. We provide expert advice and clear answers, helping you to understand exactly how to make an effective application.

 

Practical planning support

Our planning lawyers deal with all planning matters for property owners, landowners and small businesses.

  • Preparing and submitting a planning application - with an in-depth knowledge of planning law, we know what your application needs to cover to be successful. We address any potential problems, making sure the final application is as strong as possible.
  • Appealing a planning decision - if your application has been refused, we can take you through the appeal process, preparing appeal documents and either representing you ourselves at a hearing or inquiry or working with a barrister on your appeal.
  • Dealing with planning enforcement - if the local planning authority thinks that your development is unlawful, they may take enforcement action. We can assess whether planning permission was necessary and advise on your next steps, from obtaining a certificate of lawfulness to representing you at an appeal.

We also provide planning advice for larger developers and commercial projects – see our commercial planning and licensing page for more information.

Planning permission isn't always needed but it is important to confirm if this is the case for your project, to avoid the stress of enforcement action further down the line. We advise on the requirements for making an application and guide you through the process at every stage.

For details on costs/charges, please click here.

 

Planning from all perspectives

Planning control exists to regulate the development and use of land, balancing the provision of facilities and homes with the protection of the natural environment. We understand this bigger picture and the criteria used to assess planning applications.

Having worked within planning departments for local authorities, we have experience ‘on both sides of the fence’ and can advise you on the intricacies of planning law from all perspectives.

Above all, our planning lawyers are committed to helping you get the outcome you need, so you can focus on moving forward with your building projects.

 

Our reputation speaks for itself

The leading legal directory, The Legal 500, describes the team, "Tozers are a firm I can turn to and always trust and rely on their professionalism. Nothing is too much trouble for them and their professionalism and communication skills are second to none. Their knowledge on planning matters is immense and encyclopaedic."

"They behave as though they are part of our team and not as standalone individuals - this encourages better engagement and participation in all matters."

Most importantly to us, this expertise is reflected in the positive feedback we receive regularly from our clients.

 

Find out more

To learn more about how we can help you, please contact us to speak to one of our experienced planning lawyers. Alternatively, you can complete our contact form or call us directly.

 

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Tozers Insights

Insights

Avoiding the Pitfalls of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regime

Posted on 12th October 2023 in Planning and Licensing

There is a strict process that must be followed to comply with the Community Infrastructure Levy (“CIL”) regime and if this process is not followed to the letter, then you could end up paying the price in surcharges and/or the loss of a previously applicable exemption or relief.

Posted by

Kelly Burns

Senior Associate & Solicitor
Insights

What Amendments Can I Make to My Planning Permission Under Section 73?

Posted on 18th September 2023 in Planning and Licensing

Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (the “1990 Act”) can be an extremely useful tool to developers, enabling them to seek variations to a planning permission without the need to submit a new full planning application. However, the scope of variations permitted under Section 73 is limited and has been widely discussed by the courts since it came into force.

Posted by

Kelly Burns

Senior Associate & Solicitor

What our clients say

Thoughtful and knowledgeable

"Always quick in responding to various problems along the way, friendly, thoughtful and knowledgeable throughout. I am sure that Tozers advice on procedure and their tenacity brought our application to a successful conclusion."


"I would highly recommend them."

Mrs A