Practice Summary
Matthew has a broad practice in public law, planning law and environmental law. He also has expertise in property law.
He is a member of the Attorney General’s C Panel of Counsel.
Matthew is ranked by the Legal 500 as a “Rising Star” in planning law: “An up-and-coming junior who is regarded by the senior QCs in Chambers as a trusted junior. Personable and responsive“.
Matthew has been ranked among the top barristers in planning law under the age of 35 in the Planning Magazine’s 2018, 2019 and 2020 Legal Surveys.
He read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford (Balliol College), before completing an LLM (Qualifying Law Degree) at Birkbeck, University of London, and the BPTC at City University.
Recent highlights of his practice include:
- RR v SSWP [2019] 1 W.L.R. 6430 – Major constitutional case in the Supreme Court about what remedy a tribunal can grant to victims of the bedroom tax – acted for the successful appellant.
- Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum v Leeds City Council [2020] 1 W.L.R. 2355; [2020] 1461 (Admin); [2020] EWHC 2183 (Admin) – Challenge to the Leeds Site Allocations Plan (three judgments dealing with: legal capacity to bring proceedings; the substantive claim; relief).
- Kaitey v SSHD [2020] EWHC 1861 (Admin) – Challenge to the lawfulness of imposing conditional immigration bail on people whose detention would be unlawful (permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal granted).
- Monkhill Ltd v SSHCLG [2020] J.P.L. 175 – Meaning of policies providing a “clear reason for refusal” in National Planning Policy Framework para. 11(d) (appeal to Court of Appeal pending).
- Peel Investments (North) Ltd v SSHCLG [2020] J.P.L. 278 – Meaning of “out-of-date” in National Planning Policy Framework para. 11(d) (appeal to Court of Appeal pending).
- Tower Hamlets LBC v SSHCLG [2020] P.T.S.R. 111 – Interpretation of National Planning Policy Framework para. 196 on harm to heritage assets.
- HJ Banks & Company Ltd v SSHCLG [2019] P.T.S.R. 668 – a challenge to the decision to refuse planning permission for a new open-cast coal mine (acting for Friends of the Earth).
More information on specific practice areas can be found under the ‘Expertise’ tab.
Planning & Compulsory Purchase
Matthew has been consistently ranked among the top barristers in planning law under the age of 35 in the Planning Magazine’s 2018, 2019 and 2020 Legal Surveys. His advocacy and advisory practice extends to all areas of planning and compulsory purchase law.
Matthew is ranked by the Legal 500 as a “Rising Star” in planning law: “An up-and-coming junior who is regarded by the senior QCs in Chambers as a trusted junior. Personable and responsive“.
Current planning court cases include:
- R (Sarah Finch) v Surrey County Council (2020/0351) – judicial review of grant of planning permission for oil extraction wells (awaiting substantive hearing after permission granted by Court of Appeal).
- Monkhill Ltd v SSHCLG [2020] J.P.L. 175 – Meaning of policies providing a “clear reason for refusal” in National Planning Policy Framework para. 11(d) (appeal to Court of Appeal pending).
- R (Asda Stores Limited) v Leeds City Council [2020] P.T.S.R. 874 – judicial review concerning the meaning of retail policy in the National Planning Policy Framework (appeal to Court of Appeal pending).
- Elmbridge District Council v R (Davison) [2020] 1 P. & C.R. 1 – judicial review concerning the materiality of previous planning decisions quashed by the court (appeal to Court of Appeal pending).
- Abbey Properties v East Cambridgeshire District Council (CO/1007/2020) – judicial review of decision to proceed to referendum of Witchford Neighbourhood Plan (permission granted, awaiting substantive hearing).
Recent planning court cases include:
- Peel Investments (North) Ltd v SSHCLG [2020] EWCA Civ 1175 – Meaning of “out-of-date” in National Planning Policy Framework para. 11(d).
- Rectory Homes v SSHCLG [2020] EWHC 2098 (Admin) – s.288 challenge to Inspector’s decision concerning approach to C2 and C3 use classes and the meaning of “housing” in local policy.
- Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum v Leeds City Council [2020] 1 W.L.R. 2355; [2020] 1461 (Admin); [2020] EWHC 2183 (Admin) – Challenge to the Leeds Site Allocations Plan (three judgments dealing with: legal capacity to bring proceedings; the substantive claim; relief).
- Keep Bourne End Green v Wycombe Council [2020] EWHC 1984 (Admin) – s.113 challenge to Wycombe Local Plan (represented successful council at permission stage).
- Advearse v Dorset Council [2020] EWHC 807 (Admin) – judicial review of decision to grant planning permission for major development in the Dorset AONB (acted for successful council).
- Craven District Council v SSHCLG (CO/58/2020) – s.288 challenge to an Inspector’s decision to grant planning permission for housing development (permission refused at oral renewal hearing; acted for successful IP).
- Monkhill Ltd v SSHCLG [2020] J.P.L. 175 – s.288 challenge concerning the meaning of policies providing a “clear reason for refusal” in National Planning Policy Framework para. 11(d) (appeal to Court of Appeal pending).
- Peel Investments (North) Ltd v SSHCLG [2020] J.P.L. 278 – Meaning of “out-of-date” in National Planning Policy Framework para. 11(d) (appeal to Court of Appeal pending).
- Tower Hamlets LBC v SSHCLG [2020] P.T.S.R. 111 – Interpretation of National Planning Policy Framework para. 196 on harm to heritage assets.
- Xyan Holdings v SSHCLG [2019] EWHC 2907 (Admin) – s.288 challenge raising issues of interpretation of affordable housing policy in the London Plan and local plan.
- R (Locke) v Newcastle City Council (CO/4426/2019) – permission refused in judicial review of a grant of planning permission for 1,200 homes in Newcastle Great Park.
- HJ Banks & Company Ltd v SSHCLG [2019] P.T.S.R. 668 – a challenge to the decision to refuse planning permission for a new open-cast coal mine (acting for Friends of the Earth).
- R (Gorst Energy) v East Devon District Council (CO/4635/2019) – challenge to a Breach of Condition Notice.
- Dover DC & China Gateway International Ltd v CPRE Kent [2018] 1 W.L.R. 108 – Leading case in the Supreme Court concerning the duty on local authorities to give reasons for planning decisions.
- William Davis Ltd v Charnwood BC [2018] J.P.L. 549 – acted for five major housebuilders in a successful challenge concerning the lawfulness of a Supplementary Planning Document housing mix policy.
- Eatherley v Camden LBC [2017] P.T.S.R. 288 – key case defining the scope of permitted development rights for basements (acted for the successful claimant).
- Basildon Council v Whiting (HQ18X03326) – successful multi-hearing proceedings in High Court seeking an injunction to restrain unauthorised development.
Recent planning inquiries and hearings include:
Recent planning inquiries and hearings include:
- Oyster Trestles, Whitstable – 3-week public inquiry acting for Whitstable Oyster Company appealing an Enforcement Notice seeking removal of oyster trestles on Whitstable foreshore – March – April 2020
- Land East of Loxwood Road, Alfold – 4-day inquiry concerning a housing scheme in the countryside of Waverley – January 2020
- Missanda, Wells Lane, Ascot – 1 day hearing concerning an appeal against refusal to discharge planning conditions for housing scheme – January 2020
- Holly House, Harpsden – 8 day inquiry concerning a property in the Chilterns AONB – April, September & December 2019
- Swanley Town Centre Regeneration, Swanley – 4 day inquiry acting for the successful appellant seeking permission for mixed-use regeneration – June 2019
- Waterside Holiday Park, Essex – 3 day inquiry acting for the successful local planning authority resisting an LDC appeal relating to a caravan park – March 2019
- Land south of Gloucester Road, Thornbury – 4 week inquiry for Rule 6 party (Tortworth Estate / St Modwen) opposing 370-home scheme – January to March 2019
- Former Kumor Nursery, Dover – three day inquiry for LPA successfully resisting appeal concerning 60-home scheme – December 2018
- Whitecap Mushroom Farm, Mayland – two day inquiry for a Lawful Development Certificate appeal, acting for Maldon DC – November 2018
- Land East of Park Road, Didcot – four-day inquiry concerning 135 homes in South Oxfordshire, acting for the developer – May 2018
- Racton View, Chichester – one day enforcement inquiry acting for Chichester District Council concerning a chicken farm – May 2018
- Earl Road, Handforth – five-week inquiry acting for a retail developer in a called-in application in Handforth Dean, Cheshire East – January to April 2018
- Worsley Greenway, Salford – four-week inquiry acting for Manchester City Council resisting a 600-dwelling (plus marina, retail and café) appeal – February to March 2018
- South Eden Park Road, Bromley – four-day circa-100 home inquiry, acting for Bromley Council – January 2018
- Flatts Lane, Redcar – acted for a housebuilder in a successful appeal concerning a 400-home scheme – April 2017
- King v Maldon DC – acted for the council in successfully resisting an enforcement appeal raising issues of deliberate concealment – March 2017
- Gorstyhill “Wychwood Village Extension”, Crewe – acted for Cheshire East Council successfully resisting a recovered appeal concerning a 900-home scheme – February 2017
- Fontwell Avenue, Fontwell – acted for the successful developer in an inquiry concerning a called-in application for a 400-home residential and employment scheme in West Sussex, raising issues of conflict with made and emerging neighbourhood plans – November 2016
- Cheshire East Local Plan examination hearings – acting for Cheshire East Council – September to October 2016
- Olney Rugby Club footpath inquiry – successfully represented a rugby club in a public inquiry to determine the existence of a right of way over the club’s land – May 2016
- Ahmed v Brent Council – acted for successful appellant in an enforcement inquiry concerning issues of deliberate concealment – November 2015
Current / recent compulsory purchase work:
- References in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) relating to compensation payable for the acquisition of the Euston Estates for HS2 – acting for the Secretary of State for Transport in a major compensation dispute arising from to the compulsory purchase of land around Euston Station for the purposes of constructing HS2 and station redevelopment.
- Land at the former Redcar Steel Works, Redcar – 3-week public inquiry concerning the South Tees Development Corporation’s CPO for major industrial regeneration scheme – February 2020.
Matthew regularly advises developers, local government, community groups and individuals about a wide range of planning and compulsory purchase issues. In addition to his civil practice, he has regular experience prosecuting and defending in criminal planning enforcement proceedings, as well as acting in appeals against other statutory notices, in the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court.
Matthew is a Contributing Editor to the Encyclopedia of Planning Law and Practice, and a member of the Planning and Environmental Bar Association and the UK Environmental Lawyers’ Association.
Environment
Matthew is an experienced environmental lawyer. Much of his planning work engages environmental issues including climate change, air quality, ecology and biodiversity, waste and landfill, land contamination, and arboriculture.
Recent work includes:
- R (Sarah Finch) v Surrey County Council (2020/0351) – judicial review of grant of planning permission for oil extraction wells (awaiting substantive hearing after permission granted by Court of Appeal).
- Abbey Properties v East Cambridgeshire District Council (CO/1007/2020) – judicial review of decision to proceed to referendum of Witchford Neighbourhood Plan (permission granted, awaiting substantive hearing).
- HJ Banks & Company Ltd v SSHCLG [2019] P.T.S.R. 668 – a challenge to the decision to refuse planning permission for a new open-cast coal mine (acting for Friends of the Earth).
- Dillner v Sheffield City Council [2016] Env. L.R. 31 – acted for the successful interested party resisting a judicial review concerning the lawfulness of tree-felling highway maintenance operations.
- Jim 2 Ltd v Walsall MBC – acted for the council in a two-week public inquiry to determine a contaminated land appeal under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (the second ever inquiry in the history of the regime).
- Advising a leading climate change campaign group in respect of Brexit legislation relating to the environment.
- Advising landfill operators concerning the Environment Agency’s regulatory charging regime.
He is a member of the UK Environmental Lawyers Association.
Public
Matthew has a broad practice across a range of areas within public law. He is regularly instructed by local authorities, central government departments, private individuals and companies, local groups, NGOs and charities. He is a member of the Attorney General’s C Panel of Counsel. He is currently instructed in litigation and advisory matters by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Cabinet Office.
While much of his work relates to planning and environmental law as sub-categories of public law, his practice also extends to a wide array of public law fields including immigration, social security, healthcare, human rights, protest and civil liberties.
Recent work includes:
- RR v SSWP [2019] 1 W.L.R. 6430 – Major constitutional case in the Supreme Court about what remedy a tribunal can grant to victims of the bedroom tax – acted for the successful appellant.
- Kaitey v SSHD [2020] EWHC 1861 (Admin) – Challenge to the lawfulness of imposing conditional immigration bail on people whose detention would be unlawful (permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal granted).
- KT and SH v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2020] UKUT 252 (AAC) – How to approach in PIP decisions the risk of fire to deaf people while they wash.
- Dover DC & China Gateway International Ltd v CPRE Kent [2018] 1 W.L.R. 108 – Leading case in the Supreme Court concerning the duty on local authorities to give reasons for planning decisions.
- Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum v Leeds City Council [2020] 1 W.L.R. 2355 – Whether unincorporated associations have legal capacity to issue proceedings.
- HJ Banks & Company Ltd v SSHCLG [2019] P.T.S.R. 668 – a challenge to the decision to refuse planning permission for a new open-cast coal mine (acting for Friends of the Earth).
- RJ, GMcL and CS v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions v RJ (PIP) [2017] UKUT 105 (AAC) – three-judge panel of the Upper Tribunal in a case concerning the interpretation of the meaning of “safely” in the Personal Independence Payment Regulations 2013 (acting pro bono for the National Deaf Children’s Society).
- Antoniades (No.2) & Others v The Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia – Acting for the Administrator in the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, defending a long-running judicial review brought by several hundred local employees concerning civil service pay reductions.
- Bufalo v SSHD; Moradi v SSHD; TDZ v SSHD; Wiles v SSHD – Acting pro bono (through the AIRE Centre) in multiple successful appeals by EEA nationals against Deportation Orders.
He has also recently been acting with David Lock QC in two significant healthcare cases:
- Advising an NHS Trust in respect of issues arising following the first instance judgment in R (Bayer Plc and Novartis) v NHS Darlington Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) & Ors [2018] EWHC 2465 (Admin);
- Advising a care home provider concerning a proposed judicial review of a local authority purporting to exercise a regulatory function reserved to the Care Quality Commission.
He has considerable expertise in planning and environmental law (see separate tabs), and regularly advises on cases that combine public and property law.
Matthew regularly acts for claimants in judicial review claims challenging detention and deportation, and he also acts for appellants in the First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and in the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).
He regularly acts pro bono, in particular for the AIRE Centre and the National Deaf Children’s Society.
Prior to joining Landmark Chambers, Matthew was a Legal Assistant at the European Council of Refugees and Exiles in Brussels, Belgium. He has also volunteered for a number of legal charities in London, including the Free Representation Unit, the Afghan and Central Asia Association, the National Centre for Domestic Violence, the Bar Pro Bono Unit, Southwark Law Centre and the Refugee Children’s Rights Project.
Property
Matthew has a property practice with particular expertise in cases that require knowledge of planning, environmental and public law. Recent work includes:
- Acting for a high-profile UK retailer in injunction proceedings against trespassers across a number of different sites.
- Acting for a major gas transporter in a successful urgent application in the High Court for an interim injunction preventing development works in the vicinity of a high-pressure pipeline.
- Successfully representing a group of Right-to-Buy leaseholders in resisting a £50,000 service charge demand per flat in the First-Tier Tribunal: see News Item.
- An arbitration, led by Katharine Holland QC, over the interpretation of compensation clauses in a pipeline easement deed.
Cases
- Peel Investments (North) Ltd v SSHCLG [2020] EWCA Civ 1175
- KT and SH v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2020] UKUT 252 (AAC)
- Kaitey v SSHD [2020] EWHC 1861 (Admin) (deleting the existing Kaitey entry)
- Keep Bourne End Green v Wycombe Council [2020] EWHC 1984 (Admin)
- Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum v Leeds City Council [2020] 1 W.L.R. 2355; [2020] 1461 (Admin); [2020] EWHC 2183 (Admin)
- R (Sarah Finch) v Surrey County Council (2020/0351)
- Craven District Council v SSHCLG (CO/58/2020)
- Elmbridge District Council v R (Davison) [2020] 1 P. & C.R. 1
- R (Asda Stores Limited) v Leeds City Council [2020] P.T.S.R. 874
- Rectory Homes v SSHCLG [2020] EWHC 2098 (Admin)
- Abbey Properties v East Cambridgeshire District Council (CO/1007/2020)
- Advearse v Dorset Council [2020] EWHC 807 (Admin)
- Monkhill Ltd v SSHCLG [2020] J.P.L. 175
- Tower Hamlets LBC v SSHCLG [2020] P.T.S.R. 111
- RR v SSWP [2019] 1 W.L.R. 6430
- Xyan Holdings v SSHCLG [2019] EWHC 2907 (Admin)
- R (Locke) v Newcastle City Council (CO/4426/2019)
- Lin De Pan v SSHD (CO/3467/2019)
- HJ Banks & Company Ltd v SSHCLG [2019] P.T.S.R. 668
- R (Gorst Energy) v East Devon District Council (CO/4635/2019)
- Dover DC & China Gateway International Ltd v CPRE Kent [2018] 1 W.L.R. 108
- William Davis Ltd v Charnwood BC [2018] J.P.L. 549
- Eatherley v Camden LBC [2017] P.T.S.R. 288
- RJ, GMcL and CS v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions v RJ (PIP) [2017] UKUT 105 (AAC)
- Basildon Council v Whiting (HQ18X03326)
- Dillner v Sheffield City Council [2016] Env. L.R. 31
- Antoniades (No.2) & Others v The Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (1/2015, 4/2015, 5/2015)
Qualifications
- Balliol College, University of Oxford (BA, Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
- Birkbeck, University of London (Distinction, LLM Qualifying Law Degree)
- City University London (Outstanding, BPTC)
Scholarships and Awards
- Inner Temple Major Scholarship
- The William Rose Memorial Prize for Excellence in Drafting (for the highest mark in the BPTC drafting assessment)
- The Sibel Dedezade Pro Bono Award (for exceptional pro bono work)
- Winner of the Human Rights Lawyers’ Association Judicial Review Competition 2013
- Winner of the Access to Justice Foundation Student Essay Competition 2013
- Highest ranked UK team, International Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot
- Balliol College Markby Exhibitioner
Inquiries
- 01/03/2020Oyster Trestles, Whitstable
- 01/02/2020Land at the former Redcar Steel Works, Redcar
- 01/01/2020Land East of Loxwood Road, Alfold
- 01/01/2020Missanda, Wells Lane, Ascot
- 04/06/2019Swanley Town Centre Regeneration, Swanley
- 02/04/2019Holly House, Harpsden
- 12/03/2019Waterside Holiday Park, Essex
- 21/01/2019Land South of Gloucester Road, Thornbury
- 04/12/2018Former Kumor Nursery, Sandwich
- 20/11/2018Whitecap Mushroom Farm, Maldon
- 22/05/2018Land East of Park Road, Didcot
- 01/05/2018Racton View, Westbourne
- 20/02/2018Broadoak, Worsley
- 23/01/2018Handforth Dean Retail Park, Cheshire
- 09/01/2018South Eden Park Road, Bromley
- 05/09/2017324 Philip Lane, Hackney
- 05/07/2017Potters Farm, Bromley
- 25/04/2017Flatts Lane, Redcar
- 14/03/2017Oakfield Farm, Essex
- 01/02/2017Gorstyhill ‘Wychwood Village Extension’, Crewe
- 01/11/2016Land East of Fontwell Avenue, Fontwell
- 27/09/2016Cheshire East Local Plan Examination
- 19/05/2016Footpath – Carey Way to Footpath 1 near Clifton Bridge, Olney
- 08/12/2015Recovered Part IIA contaminated land appeal opens
- 08/12/2015Stonegate Housing Estate, Walsall
- 24/11/201537 The Circle, London
Inquiries
Gorstyhill ‘Wychwood Village Extension’, Crewe
01/02/2017
The Secretary of State has dismissed a recovered appeal against Cheshire East Council’s refusal of outline planning permission for up to 900 homes and a range of employment, education and retail facilities on a former golf course near Crewe. Between the Inspector’s report and the Secretary of State’s decision, the Council adopted their new Local Plan Strategy and could demonstrate a housing land supply for 5.3 years.
The Secretary of State agreed with the Inspector that the large-scale proposal was clearly contrary to local plan policies restricting development in the open countryside and at the bottom of the settlement hierarchy. The Appellant’s suggestion that the site had been designated for development was based on a misinterpretation of the former local plan proposals map. The proposal was also considered to be premature by the Inspector given the advanced stage of the Local Plan Strategy (in which the site was not allocated) at the time of her report.
The Secretary of State said that “how the future demands of HS2 will be met is a matter for consideration through a development plan and should be afforded no weight in the planning balance”.
Given the former absence of a five-year housing land supply, the Inspector had applied NPPF para. 14 and found that the adverse impacts of granting planning permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal. The Secretary of State – with 5.3 years supply confirmed under the new Local Plan Strategy – concluded that the proposal was not in accordance with the development plan, and no material considerations indicated that permission should be granted despite that conflict.
A copy of the decision is available here.
Christopher Katkowski QC and Matthew Fraser acted for Cheshire East Council.
Inquiries
Recovered Part IIA contaminated land appeal opens
08/12/2015
On Tuesday 8 December 2015 an inquiry opens into an appeal by Jim 2 Limited (“Jim 2”) under section 78L(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (“the 1990 Act”) against a remediation notice served on it by Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council on 17 March 2015 (“the Remediation Notice”). The Remediation Notice requires Jim 2 to de-contaminate the land enclosed within the domestic curtilages of 69 residential properties, which form part of the Stonegate Housing Estate, Walsall which forms part of the land formerly occupied by the Willenhall Town Gas Works. The contamination case focusses on Benzo(a)pyrene (“B(a)P”). B(a)P is commonly used as an indicator compound for the mixture of compounds found in combustion products like Gas Works waste . B(a)P is a persistent organic pollutant, which has been designated by the International Agency Research on Cancer as a Human Carcinogen (Group 1), which means that the evidence is sufficient to determine that the agent is carcinogenic to humans, as opposed to probably (Group 2A) or possibly (Group 2B) carcinogenic to humans.
The appeal is believed to be only the second ever made to the Secretary of State under s. 78L of the 1990 Act notwithstanding the regime having been in force for 15 years. The Secretary of State has recovered the appeal in recognition of “the potential policy implications for contaminated land law” and in “view of the challenges raised on the application of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and of the revised Statutory Guidance published in 2012. The appeal is expected to last 2 weeks.
James Maurici QC and Matthew Fraser are appearing for the Council, the enforcing authority.
Articles and Presentations
- Planning Case Law in 2020: A re-cap – webinar
- SEA and EIA case law: review of the year
- Planning High Court Challenges Annual Conference, Part 1 – webinar
- The objector’s perspective: opposing acquisition
- Delivering Major Infrastructure: Part 2 – Justifying the land acquisition strategy – Webinar
- Planning Shorts – Episode 5: Covid-19 Recovery: What’s in the Business and Planning Bill?
- Planning Shorts – Episode 4: How is Covid 19 affecting HLS and what is the Government’s response?
- Planning Shorts – Episode 3: Just how tilted is the tilted balance?
- Planning Shorts – Episode 2: Is the Planning System ripe for reform?
- Planning Shorts – Episode 1: Is the Planning System Rigged?
- The Environment Bill: Policy Objectives for Biodiversity and Local Nature Recovery Strategies
- Current Issues in Environmental Law Part 4: The Environment Bill, biodiversity net gain and nature conservation – Webinar
- EU Settlement Scheme – Current Issues
- EU free movement law and the EU settlement scheme – Webinar
- The proposed extension of police powers against unauthorised encampments
- Injunctions etc against protesters and travellers – Webinar
- A Comprehensive Guide to the Latest Planning Law, Practice and Policy (Part Two) – Webinar
- The Top Ten Secretary Of State Planning Decisions over the past year
- Habitats Law Update
- Appendix EU – An Overview
- Environmental Law – Case Law Update
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Litigating In The First Tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber) Environment Chamber – Jurisdiction, Practice And Procedure (including Costs)
- EEA Deportation: Recent cases
- Cladding and Fire Safety Improvements post-Grenfell
- Deportation and Article 8 ECHR
- Trafficking and immigration status
- Brexit and Immigration: Citizens’ Rights in the Draft Withdrawal Agreement – Implementation
- Damages for Unlawful Immigration Detention: Recent cases
- Collective Enfranchisement: What can be acquired?
- Revised NPPF: Viability
- Schemes Involving Tall Buildings
- Lease extension claims under the 1993 Act: The right to a new lease
- Update on the Personal Independence Payment
- Planning Conditions Post-Trump
- Environmental Damage
- Collective Enfranchisement: The Participants
Inquiries
Gorstyhill ‘Wychwood Village Extension’, Crewe
01/02/2017
The Secretary of State has dismissed a recovered appeal against Cheshire East Council’s refusal of outline planning permission for up to 900 homes and a range of employment, education and retail facilities on a former golf course near Crewe. Between the Inspector’s report and the Secretary of State’s decision, the Council adopted their new Local Plan Strategy and could demonstrate a housing land supply for 5.3 years.
The Secretary of State agreed with the Inspector that the large-scale proposal was clearly contrary to local plan policies restricting development in the open countryside and at the bottom of the settlement hierarchy. The Appellant’s suggestion that the site had been designated for development was based on a misinterpretation of the former local plan proposals map. The proposal was also considered to be premature by the Inspector given the advanced stage of the Local Plan Strategy (in which the site was not allocated) at the time of her report.
The Secretary of State said that “how the future demands of HS2 will be met is a matter for consideration through a development plan and should be afforded no weight in the planning balance”.
Given the former absence of a five-year housing land supply, the Inspector had applied NPPF para. 14 and found that the adverse impacts of granting planning permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal. The Secretary of State – with 5.3 years supply confirmed under the new Local Plan Strategy – concluded that the proposal was not in accordance with the development plan, and no material considerations indicated that permission should be granted despite that conflict.
A copy of the decision is available here.
Christopher Katkowski QC and Matthew Fraser acted for Cheshire East Council.
Inquiries
Recovered Part IIA contaminated land appeal opens
08/12/2015
On Tuesday 8 December 2015 an inquiry opens into an appeal by Jim 2 Limited (“Jim 2”) under section 78L(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (“the 1990 Act”) against a remediation notice served on it by Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council on 17 March 2015 (“the Remediation Notice”). The Remediation Notice requires Jim 2 to de-contaminate the land enclosed within the domestic curtilages of 69 residential properties, which form part of the Stonegate Housing Estate, Walsall which forms part of the land formerly occupied by the Willenhall Town Gas Works. The contamination case focusses on Benzo(a)pyrene (“B(a)P”). B(a)P is commonly used as an indicator compound for the mixture of compounds found in combustion products like Gas Works waste . B(a)P is a persistent organic pollutant, which has been designated by the International Agency Research on Cancer as a Human Carcinogen (Group 1), which means that the evidence is sufficient to determine that the agent is carcinogenic to humans, as opposed to probably (Group 2A) or possibly (Group 2B) carcinogenic to humans.
The appeal is believed to be only the second ever made to the Secretary of State under s. 78L of the 1990 Act notwithstanding the regime having been in force for 15 years. The Secretary of State has recovered the appeal in recognition of “the potential policy implications for contaminated land law” and in “view of the challenges raised on the application of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and of the revised Statutory Guidance published in 2012. The appeal is expected to last 2 weeks.
James Maurici QC and Matthew Fraser are appearing for the Council, the enforcing authority.