John Barrett

Practice:

Housing
Waste disposal and management
Minerals
Highways
UDP and Local Plan inquiries
Inquiries relating to substantial commercial and retail developments, especially supermarkets and public houses/restaurants.

Profile:

John specialises in all aspects of town and country planning, environmental law, compulsory purchase and acquisition and highways.

He has appeared as counsel in numerous UDP and Local Plan inquiries and has worked extensively in the areas of waste disposal and management, minerals, highways and housing. Other significant inquiries include those relating to substantial commercial and retail developments, especially supermarkets and public houses/restaurants.

He was the Editor of the Encyclopaedia of Environmental Health (Sweet and Maxwell).

Significant Work includes:

John has acted on a significant number of Unitary Development Plans for Councils throughout the North West, North East and the Midlands and regularly acts on behalf of major plcs and Local Authorities.

Significant Reported Cases:

R v Ruttle, ex p. Marshall [1988] 57 P & CR 299

Vasiliou v Secretary of State for Transport [1991] 2 All ER 77

John Kennelly Sales Ltd v S.o.S.E. [1994] 1 PLR 10

Daniel Platt Ltd v S.o.S.E. and Staffordshire CC [1997] JPL 349

R v Sefton MBC, ex p. Help the Aged [1997] 4 All ER 532

Sovereign Rubber Ltd v Stockport BC [2000] Env LR 194

Hull v Warrington Borough Council [1999] Env LR 868

Bradford v. Yorkshire Water [2001] EWHC 803

Tromans v. Cannock Chase DC [2004] EWCA Civ 407

Blewett v. Derbyshire CC [2004] EWCA Civ 1508

Anderton v. Bradford MBC [2006] EWHC 3344

Recommendations & Memberships

Chambers UK 2010:

"demonstrates a strong appreciation for the commercial element of development proposals. He's knowledgeable, competent, confident and an excellent team player".
John Barrett hugely impresses observers with his command of complex waste management issues.

Chambers UK 2009:

"Incisive and business oriented," John Barrett has a keen understanding of complex waste management issues. The "sheer range of his knowledge" is never underestimated by clients, who applaud his "fantastic work" in the environmental field.
John Barrett is regularly described as a leading advocate for clients across the country; his remit covers purchases, highways orders and waste disposal planning. He is in popular demand for his advice on retail and residential planning concerns.

Chambers UK 2008:

"John Barrett focuses mainly on issues relating to waste disposal and waste management, minerals, highways and compulsory purchase. He has been involved in a pollution prevention and control licence appeal for an animal carcass rendering plant, the first such inquiry under the 2000 Regulations for a rendering plant." He has won praise as a "straightforward communicator who gets on well with clients."

Chambers UK 2007:

"Recommended for his 'incisive and practical approach to planning problems', John Barrett manages a varied practice and has 'tremendous ability to work as a team player.'

Chambers Guide 2006:

Kings Chambers......"this nationally reputed set was lauded as one of the dominant planning chambers. With "highly distinguished" barristers at all levels, its members were further praised for the impressive scope of work undertaken and "quality results produced" which ensures that "you are never disappointed". John Barrett is a "top flight communicator" according to interviewees. His practice encompasses a wide variety of sectors including waste disposal and management, minerals, highways and housing. He was noted for his niche strength in dealing with planning matters concerning supermarkets and public houses/restaurants".

Chambers Guide 2002 - 2003:

"40 King Street - Acknowledged by solicitors to have a near monopoly on the Northern planning market, the set is said to offer an accessible, convenient service with a wealth of expertise and experience. "John Barrett is continuing to establish himself in the area.."

Chambers Guide 2001 - 2002:

"Peers rate John Barrett as (a) "jolly good junior".
In the Environment section "the "switched on" John Barrett is also reputed to be building an impressive reputation."

Legal 500 2009:
"consistently recommended"

Legal 500 2008:
"In an excellent group, solicitors consistently mention John Barrett"

The Legal 500 2002:
"Popular junior"

The Legal 500 2001:
"The extremely strong team includes John Barrett for inquiry work with an environmental aspect."

Planning Magazine:

John is cited as one of the highest rated senior juniors in the 2005 survey, as chosen by planning lawyers and planners in England & Wales.

Memberships:
Planning and Environment Bar Association
Administrative Law Bar Association
Northern and North Eastern Circuit