Environmental Matters

When it comes to planning problems and environmental matters, these can take a wide variety of forms and can have a substantial and costly impact on a development. The law in this area is complex and frequently misunderstood. The benefit of using our service is that you can draw on our considerable experience in this area to produce a desired outcome.

Landowners and Developers

We advise landowners and developers in respect of proposals that involve emissions which can include noise, light, dust etc. Right to light is a common claim that is not always well argued and often leaves room for us to challenge the claim on your behalf.

Contamination of land is a particularly troublesome area for landowners where the cost of remediation is financially catastrophic. We are happy to advise farmers, developers and landowners on how to minimise their exposure to this risk. Ideally we would advise you before the land is even acquired, but we are happy to advise where the problem has already been uncovered on your land or you are worried about a potential problem.

Speed is of the essence with all planning matters, but particularly environmental issues. If you have any concerns, please contact us as soon as possible for our initial opinion. For more information on planning law for business see our business, developer and landlord planning law page

lake and woodland scene

Acting For Objectors

Acting for objectors to a development that is proposed, or taking place, frequently enables us to change a local planning authority's approach - although it is by no means an easy task, whether it be officers or councillors. Experience enables us to provide a high level of swift help for objectors and developers alike.

You do not need to live in close proximity to a site or have a close tie to the site in order to object to a planning development, and you can object as a group or as an individual. A group objecting to a planning development may be a resident's group, or it could be an environmental pressure group. Common reasons to object to a proposed planning development include concerns for wildlife or the historical significance of a site.

Making an objection

It doesn't matter if you have a political, moral or social reason for objecting to a development (like the impact of an airport on local wildlife, or the impact of a chain pub on the local community) or if you're just objecting for your own sake, all concerns and objections have to be treated seriously, taken on their own merits. What we excel at is framing the objection correctly so that whoever - or whatever body - is making the decision will give the objection the appropriate weight. Find out more about development planning.

If a development relates to a material planning consideration, or looks like it represents a significant violation of a local development plan such as the plans for Kent we discuss in our news section, feel free to discuss your concerns with us through our contact form (linked below), and we'll give some initial feedback and decide if we think the case is worth pursuing.

Can We Help You?

Please call us on 01634 811 118, complete our online enquiry form, or email our planning law expert Nicholas Kingsley-Smith.

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