Planning

Kings Chambers has been providing excellence in planning for over 70 years. Chambers was founded as a response to the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act by C N Glidewell, and has an unrivalled reputation for the highest standards of advice and advocacy.

Kings Chambers has produced some of the leading barristers in the field of planning;in recent years that has included figures of the eminence of Charles Cross, Sir Iain Glidewell (a former Lord Justice of Appeal), Sir Douglas Brown (formerly The Hon Mr Justice Douglas Brown), Mrs Justice Patterson and The Hon Mr Justice Gilbart. The current Head of the Planning Group, Paul G Tucker QC is the Vice Chair of PEBA (Planning and Environment Bar Association) and two other Kings Chambers’ planning barristers, Ian Ponter and Sarah Reid are also committee members. Sarah Reid and Constanze Bell are also committee members of Women in Planning and were both recognised as Women of Influence in the 2019 Planner Awards.

What our Planning Barristers offer

Kings Chambers’ Planning barristers have been involved with most of the major development projects throughout the country. From the Retail Inquiry which led to the Trafford Centre and the Second Runway at Manchester Airport in the 1990s, and all manner of developments since. Barristers at Kings Chambers are nationally renowned as providing an excellent service.

Kings Chambers’ Planning barristers are experienced at dealing with both the smallest hearings and the largest inquiries, both of which involve different though complementary skills for the advocate. Members will assist in drafting submissions as to the mode of appeal as well as advising and representing clients throughout the process. Whether that is the appellant who is seeking to secure planning consent or a local authority looking to oppose the granting of consent at appeal. Chambers prides itself on a team-working approach and members make themselves available to guide the preparation of cases from the earliest stage and throughout the process. This includes every stage including advice, representing clients at appeal, and on occasion in the High Court.

Who our Planning Barristers act for

Kings Chambers’ Planning barristers act for developers, housebuilders, land promoters, local planning authorities and residents and regularly appear at planning appeals including public inquiries and informal hearings and in all types of court proceedings including legal challenges or judicial reviews in the Planning Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. They also represent clients in criminal matters relating to planning and highways in magistrates courts and the Crown Court.

There are presently four Queen's Counsel and 20 junior counsel who regularly act in planning cases. Together they have contributed to the recognition of chambers as a pre-eminent planning set.

Areas of Planning Law we cover:

Affordable Housing
Airports
Assets of Community Value
Commons & Village Greens
CPO & Compensation
Development Plans
Energy & Utilities
Enforcement
Habitats and Protected Species
Heritage
Housing
Judicial Review & Statutory Challenges
Lands Tribunal
Minerals & Waste
Planning Appeals
Public Rights of Way
Regeneration
Renewable Energy
Retail
Transportation & Highways

What the directories say about our Planning Barristers;

Chambers UK 2019: (Northern)

“Kings Chambers offers extensive expertise in planning matters. It acts for clients on both sides of appeals, inquiries and hearings, including individuals, energy providers, local authorities and developers. Its instructions concern such matters as energy and transport infrastructure projects, commercial developments and compulsory purchase orders. Sources laud the set's "quality barristers" and the "brilliant representation" that they provide.”

Chambers UK 2019: (Midlands)

“Kings Chambers has broad-ranging planning expertise covering such areas as commercial and residential development plans, transportation infrastructure and energy work. Sources describe it as "a highly professional and efficient set." It acts for clients on both sides of planning appeals, hearings and inquiries, including landowners, local authorities and developers. Recent work highlights include Housiaux v Staff Moorlands and Laver Leisure, a public inquiry and High Court trial relating to a proposal for a new development similar to Center Parcs.”

Client service: (Northern)

“The clerks are brilliant. They know exactly what we're after."

"They're very aware of our business and our requirements as a client. They're exceptionally knowledgeable and able to point out the right person for the job."

Client service: (Midlands)

"Exceptionally user-friendly and very well clerked. They're incredibly approachable, practical and responsive."