Practice Summary
Scott Lyness specialises in all aspects of planning and environmental law. He is consistently rated as one of the leading junior members of the planning Bar.
Scott was nominated for planning junior of the year at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2016. He has been described by Chambers & Partners as having “a fantastic reputation for his wide-ranging planning practice, acting for developers, planning authorities and other parties at all levels”; “One of the best barristers I have had the pleasure of working with, including QCs.” The Legal 500 has stated that he is: “one of the leading juniors at the Planning Bar and impresses with his powers of analysis and level-headedness”.
Scott’s planning practice encompasses all aspects of planning both at inquiries and examinations and in the Higher Courts. He provides strategic and technical advice on the preparation of development proposals. He acts for a wide range of developers, planning authorities and interest groups at all stages of the planning process.
Further details of Scott’s recommendations and work across these practice areas can be found within the Expertise and Recommendations links.
He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in November 1996 and to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2000. He is a member of the Planning and Environment Bar Association and the UK Environmental Law Association.
Infrastructure
Scott’s practice covers major infrastructure and energy-related proposals, including cases covered by the NSIP regime. His work has covered a range of developments including railways, nuclear power stations, gas storage facilities, onshore and offshore wind farms and solar arrays. He acted for:
- EDF in securing consent for Hinkley Point C;
- the RSPB in relation to the world’s largest offshore windfarm (Hornsea Projects One and Two);
- the University of Manchester in relation to the Keuper Gas storage facility in Cheshire.
TWAO work has included acting for English Heritage and the University of Manchester in relation to proposals by Network Rail for new railways infrastructure as part of the “Northern Hub”.
He acts for SONI in promoting proposals for an electricity interconnector between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Regeneration, Retail and CPO
His experience has included public inquiries into city centre regeneration schemes and mixed use proposals involving tall buildings. These cases have often involved issues relating to compulsory purchase, retail development, listed buildings and conservation areas, section 106 obligations and detailed technical issues relating to noise, air quality and transport.
He has advised in relation to some of the most significant development proposals in London in recent years, including:
- the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station
- the redevelopment of Earls Court
- acting in relation to tall buildings proposals for 20 Fenchurch Street and 20 Blackfriars Road
- promoting the compulsory purchase order which led to Liverpool One, the £1 billion mixed use redevelopment of Liverpool city centre, along with the promotion of other significant retail-led regeneration schemes in Leeds, Nottingham and Derby
- acting in other compulsory purchase cases include R (on the application of Sainsbury’s Stores Ltd) v Wolverhampton City Council [2010] UKSC 20, the leading case on the materiality of considerations to the exercise of powers of compulsory acquisition.
Residential
His substantial housing experience involves a variety of cases and includes promoting Sherford, a new 5,500-home community east of Plymouth city centre. Recent work has involved regular appearances acting for both housebuilders and local authorities at planning inquiries and advising on housing need and land supply issues, in relation to both proposals and the preparation of development plans:, including the following:
- Crewe road, Shavington, 200 dwellings
- 144 Audlem road, Nantwich: 104 dwellings
- Cheerbrook Road, Willaston, 120 dwellings
- East Avenue, Weston, 99 dwellings
- Crewe Road, Shavington, 68 dwellings
- Hassall Road, Alsager, 60 dwellings
- Main Road, Shavington, 44 dwellings
- 51 Main Street, Goostrey: housing proposals in consultation zone of Jodrell Bank Observatory.
Environment
He advises and acts frequently on environmental issues including EIA and habitats. Recent case work has included representing:
- Wealden District Council in cases involving the application of the Habitats Directive in cases involving traffic emissions, air quality and impacts on the ecology of the Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation (Wealden DC v SSCLG [2017] EWCA Civ 39; Wealden District Council v SSCLG, Lewes DC and South Downs NPA [2017] EWHC 351 (Admin). –
- North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors National Park authority and York City Council at the examination into their joint minerals plan, including its policies relating to hydraulic fracturing
- the RSPB regarding proposals for substantial residential-led development at the Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire, adjacent to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area
- the Shaftesbury Estate on a judicial review concerning enforcement and habitats issues arising from sand dredging at Lough Neagh.
Heritage
Scott also has extensive experience of heritage issues. Recent cases include acting for:
- the National Trust on a challenge to the proposed development of a golf course near the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site
- English Heritage in relation to proposals including the called-in application for a solar farm at Wroughton Airfield and the Northern Hub railway infrastructure in Manchester.
Qualifications
Scott attended the Friends’ School, Lisburn and graduated in law as a Marvell Prizewinner from Hull University in 1995.
Recommendations
Scott has been described by Chambers & Partners as follows:
- “his ability to engage with highly technical information and understand the nuances of a client’s position is unprecedented. He is a pragmatic practitioner who goes the extra mile to deliver the best possible outcome.” “A top-notch junior, he’s meticulous, interacts very well with clients and is at the top of his game.”
- “a fantastic reputation for his wide-ranging planning practice, acting for developers, planning authorities and other parties at all levels”; “One of the best barristers I have had the pleasure of working with, including QCs.” “Scott’s ability to understand technical scientific evidence is to be commended, as is his ability to calmly ensure that all that is needed is covered”;
- “a good way with clients and a down-to-earth manner. He is a very capable junior barrister who is a rising star;” “I love his pragmatic attitude. Nothing is too much trouble for him”. He is “very thorough and has a really good grasp of the issues”;
- “clients appreciate his approachable manner and depth of knowledge”; “a rising star at the Planning Bar who understands clients’ needs thoroughly; he “is outstanding in terms of his command of detail and his commitment to the project. Of everyone I have seen at the Bar in the past year, I am most impressed by him”.
The Legal 500 has stated that he:
- “understands and interprets complex scientific information in an intelligible way”.
- is “user-friendly and highly rated for complex planning cases’’;
- is “a strong advocate with good attention to detail”; “gets to grips with complex planning matters”;
- is “one of the leading juniors at the Planning Bar and impresses with his powers of analysis and level-headedness”;
- he “has an excellent instinct for what is important and what is not, yet he puts professional teams at ease and gets the best out of them”.
Scott has consistently been included as a top-rated junior in the annual survey by Planning Magazine.
Inquiries
- 01/06/2018Examination of Joint Minerals Plan for North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors National Park Authority and York City Council
- 01/02/2018Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire
- 01/01/2018Main Street, Goostrey
- 02/02/2017Main Road, Shavington, 44 dwellings
- 01/02/2017Tyrone-Cavan Interconnector
- 01/11/2016Crewe Road, Shavington, 68 dwellings
- 01/10/2016Crewe Road, Shavington, 200 dwellings
- 01/10/2016144 Audlem road, Nantwich: 104 dwellings
- 01/09/2016Cheerbrook Road, Willaston, 120 dwellings
- 01/08/2016East Avenue, Weston, 99 dwellings
- 01/07/2016Hassall Road, Alsager, 60 dwellings
- 16/03/2016Keuper Gas Storage Project
- 23/02/2016Bargate Homes, Frensham Vale
- 09/12/2015Land east of Hassall Road, Alsager
- 01/10/2015Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Road Capacity Scheme TWA Order
- 15/09/2015Hornsea Offshore Windfarm 2
- 01/09/2015Land at Crewe Road, Alsager
- 26/08/2015Former Delamere Forest School
- 06/08/2015Land east of Rope Lane, Shavington
- 27/04/2015Mare Street, Hackney
- 25/03/2015Holly Drive, Northwich
- 20/03/2015Secretary of State grants permission for called-in Swindon solar park
- 20/03/2015Secretary of State grants permission for called-in Swindon solar park
- 01/03/2015Land at Steel Cross, Crowborough
- 01/01/2015Boal Car Park, Belfast
- 07/10/2014Land at Pool Lane, Winterley; Land at Old Mill Road, Sandbach; Land at Dingle Farm, Sandbach
- 19/09/2014Called-in Swindon solar park inquiry closes
- 19/09/2014Called-in Swindon solar park inquiry closes
- 09/09/2014Land at Science Museum, Wroughton
- 01/07/2014Shepham Lane, Polegate
- 01/06/2014Asda, Newtownards
- 01/06/2014Land at Whyteleafe Road, Caterham
- 01/05/2014Green Close, Harrow
- 23/04/2014Network Rail (Ordsall Chord) Order
- 11/03/2014Hornsea Offshore Windfarm
- 05/03/2014Land at South Downs Road, Lewes
- 14/02/2013Oaklands, Hailsham
- 01/10/2012College Lane Stopping Up Order, London Borough of Camden
- 01/02/2012Tyrone Cavan Interconnector
- 01/06/2011Victoria Transport Interchange CPO
- 01/03/2011Tesco, Castlereagh Road, Belfast
- 01/03/2011Leeds Bradford International Airport
- 01/01/2011Honey Farm, Polegate, East Sussex
- 01/04/2010Victoria Way, Greenwich
- 01/07/2009Sprucefield Centre, Lisburn
- 29/06/2009Tesco, Bridgewater Park, Banbridge
- 01/01/2009UK Border Agency’s Immigration Reporting Centre, Hounslow
- 09/09/200820 Blackfriars Road, London
- 22/07/2008Warwick Road, Kensington & Chelsea
- 01/10/2007Croydon Gateway CPO
- 01/01/2007Sherford New Community
- 01/01/2007South Downs National Park
- 01/01/2007Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan
- 01/01/2007Craigavon Area Plan
- 01/01/2006Peruvian Safeguarded Wharf, London
- 01/01/2006Former Vaux Brewery, Sunderland
- 01/07/2005Broadmarsh CPO, Nottingham
- 01/01/2005Trinity Quarter CPO, Leeds
- 01/01/2003Liverpool PSDA CPO
- 01/01/2003Derby Eagle Centre CPO
Inquiries
Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire
01/02/2018
Acted for RSPB regarding proposals for restoration of Grade I listed Jacobian Mansion and redevelopment of buildings in associated parkland, including demolition of former police training college, under various development options totalling 250 units.
Inquiries
Tyrone-Cavan Interconnector
01/02/2017
Inquiry into proposals for a major infrastructure project which will link the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland electricity network, involving a new overhead line and 102 towers in NI which connect to a new overhead line in the Republic of Ireland across a total distance of around 80km.
Inquiries
Keuper Gas Storage Project
16/03/2016
Examination hearings into the Keuper Gas Storage Project (“KGSP”) Development Consent Order. The KGSP is a nationally significant infrastructure project involving the creation of underground cavities in salt rock that would be used to store natural gas to help meet the UK’s growing energy needs. Full information about the project is available at http://www.kgsp.co.uk/
Charles Banner appeared as sole counsel for the promoters of the project, Keuper Gas Storage Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of INEOS Enterprises Group, and INOVYN Enterprises Ltd, a joint venture between INEOS and the Solvay Group (instructed by Zyda Law).
Scott Lyness represented the University of Manchester.
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy granted the DCO on 15 March 2017.
Inquiries
Secretary of State grants permission for called-in Swindon solar park
20/03/2015
The Secretary of State has granted planning permission for a large solar park at a former airfield at Wroughton, Swindon. The application was made by Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum. The proposed ground mounted PV solar arrays would on a 67 hectare site would provide c. 40MW generation capacity. The application site lies within the North Downs AONB and was opposed by Natural England, the AONB Unit and English Heritage.
The proposals will generate enough renewable electricity for c 12,000 hones. In addition it would provide an income stream to assist the Science Museum with the preservation and conservation of 35,000 larger objects of national importance as well as half a million library and archive texts it stores in hangers on the former airfield. The items stored include a 140 tonne hot metal printing press, the world’s first Hydrogen fuel car, two Trident missiles, a number of airliners and the Tucker Snow Cat.
James Maurici QC appeared for the applicants, Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum, instructed by Pegasus Planning.
Richard Clarke appeared for Swindon Borough Council.
Scott Lyness appeared for English Heritage.
For press coverage click here
Inquiries
Secretary of State grants permission for called-in Swindon solar park
20/03/2015
The Secretary of State has granted planning permission for a large solar park at a former airfield at Wroughton, Swindon. The application was made by Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum. The proposed ground mounted PV solar arrays would on a 67 hectare site would provide c. 40MW generation capacity. The application site lies within the North Downs AONB and was opposed by Natural England, the AONB Unit and English Heritage.
The proposals will generate enough renewable electricity for c 12,000 hones. In addition it would provide an income stream to assist the Science Museum with the preservation and conservation of 35,000 larger objects of national importance as well as half a million library and archive texts it stores in hangers on the former airfield. The items stored include a 140 tonne hot metal printing press, the world’s first Hydrogen fuel car, two Trident missiles, a number of airliners and the Tucker Snow Cat.
James Maurici QC appeared for the applicants, Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum, instructed by Pegasus Planning.
Richard Clarke appeared for Swindon Borough Council.
Scott Lyness appeared for English Heritage.
For press coverage click here
Inquiries
Land at Steel Cross, Crowborough
01/03/2015
Proposals for 102 dwellings outside settlement boundary for Crowborough and within AONB: issues included countryside and AONB policy; landscape impacts; impacts on Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area; mitigation through SANGS; highways impacts.
Inquiries
Called-in Swindon solar park inquiry closes
19/09/2014
A called-in inquiry into a proposed large solar park at a former airfield at Wroughton, Swindon has now closed. The application was made by Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum. The proposed ground mounted PV solar arrays would on a 67 hectare site would provide c. 40MW generation capacity. The application site lies within the North Downs AONB.
The proposals will generate enough renewable electricity for c 12,000 hones. In addition it would provide an income stream to assist the Science Museum with the preservation and conservation of 35,000 larger objects of national importance as well as half a million library and archive texts it stores in hangers on the former airfield. The items stored include a 140 tonne hot metal printing press, the world’s first Hydrogen fuel car, two Trident missiles, a number of airliners and the Tucker Snow Cat.
Swindon Borough Council resolved to grant planning permission in December 2013 but the application was called in by the Secretary of State.
The inquiry sat for 7 days commencing on Tuesday 9 September 2014 and closing on Friday 19 September 2014.
For press coverage, click here.
James Maurici QC appeared for the applicants instructed by Pegasus Planning.
Richard Clarke appeared for Swindon Borough Council.
Scott Lyness appeared for English Heritage.
Inquiries
Called-in Swindon solar park inquiry closes
19/09/2014
An called-in inquiry into a proposed large solar park at a former airfield at Wroughton, Swindon has now closed. The application was made by Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum. The proposed ground mounted PV solar arrays would on a 67 hectare site would provide c. 40MW generation capacity. The application site lies within the North Downs AONB.
The proposals will generate enough renewable electricity for c 12,000 hones. In addition it would provide an income stream to assist the Science Museum with the preservation and conservation of 35,000 larger objects of national importance as well as half a million library and archive texts it stores in hangers on the former airfield. The items stored include a 140 tonne hot metal printing press, the world’s first Hydrogen fuel car, two Trident missiles, a number of airliners and the Tucker Snow Cat.
Swindon Borough Council resolved to grant planning permission in December 2013 but the application was called in by the Secretary of State.
The inquiry sat for 7 days commencing on Tuesday 9 September 2014 and closing on Friday 19 September 2014.
For press coverage, click here.
James Maurici QC appeared for the applicants instructed by Pegasus Planning.
Richard Clarke appeared for Swindon Borough Council.
Scott Lyness appeared for English Heritage.
Inquiries
UK Border Agency’s Immigration Reporting Centre, Hounslow
01/01/2009
This inquiry related to the continued use by the UK Border Agency of a site outside Hounslow town centre as a centre where asylum seekers have to report pending the determination of their asylum claims. The case concerned the sustainability of the location and the effect on nearby residents, having regard to the high number of trips generated around 500 visits on average per day.
Inquiries
20 Blackfriars Road, London
09/09/2008
Public inquiry into the proposed Mirax-Beetham Tower at Blackfriars Bridge and the 20 Blackfriars Road development.
Christopher Katkowski QC led Scott Lyness acting for the developer promoting office and residential towers with retail and community uses, totalling over 80,000 sqm of development. The inquiry was conjoined with an inquiry into Beetham’s tall building proposals at 1 Blackfriars Road, which considered the effect of the proposals on views from St James’ Park and, in the case of the 20 Blackfriars Road proposals, the effect of the scheme on views from the Westminster World Heritage Site.
The Secretary of State granted planning permission for the mixed use proposals by Circleplane Ltd at 20 Blackfriars Road, including a residential tower at 148m and an office tower at 109m. The scheme, designed by Wilkinson Eyre architects, was opposed by the Mayor of London, Westminster City Council and English Heritage.
Inquiries
Warwick Road, Kensington & Chelsea
22/07/2008
Inquiry into substantial mixed-use redevelopment, including around 250 homes on the former Territorial Army site in Kensington & Chelsea.
Christopher Katkowski QC led Scott Lyness for the developer promoting substantial mixed-use redevelopment, including around 250 homes on the former Territorial Army site in Kensington & Chelsea.
Inquiries
Croydon Gateway CPO
01/10/2007
6-week inquiry into dispute between Arrowcroft and Croydon Council and Stanhope over the future development of a major site next to East Croydon station.
Christopher Katkowski QC led Scott Lyness in a dispute between (1) Arrowcroft and Croydon Council and (2) Stanhope over the future development of a major site next to East Croydon station. Stanhope has planning permission to develop the site for offices, housing and a park. Arrowcroft and the Council want to see fewer offices (50, 000 sqm), housing (900 homes) and most importantly a 12,500 seat arena on the site. The proposals for the arena-led scheme and a compulsory purchase order to acquire Stanhope’s interests were the subject of a 6-week inquiry in 2007.
Christopher Katkowski QC & Scott Lyness acted on behalf of both Arrowcroft and the Council.
Russell Harris QC acted on behalf of the Council.
Inquiries
Sherford New Community
01/01/2007
Acted for Red Tree Developments at Area Action Plan inquiry, promoting major urban extension to Plymouth: 5500 new homes, over 70,000 sqm commercial floorspace, a 207 hectare community park, major public transport infrastructure and high levels of renewable energy generation. 2 week inquiry (2007).
Inquiries
South Downs National Park
01/01/2007
Acting for West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council at an inquiry into objections to the proposed designation of a South Downs National Park. At previous inquiry sessions in 2003 the inspector accepted the Councils’ argument that any National Park should be focussed on the chalk downlands and recommended a substantial deletion of land from the area proposed by the Countryside Agency (Natural England). Following the Meyrick decision and changes to National Parks legislation, the inquiry reopened this year (2008).
Articles and Presentations
- 2018 Case Law Update
- Statements of Community Involvement
- The Revised NPPF: Local plans
- Legal Challenges to Plans
- The New EIA Directive
- Neighbourhood Planning- Progress and Prognosis
- Consultation: The Legal Requirements
- Community Infrastructure Levy
- Planning Law Lunch Workshops- Case Law Update
- Marine Management- Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009: Marine Planning
- Environmental Impact Series- Air Quality- The Legal and Policy Issues
Inquiries
Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire
01/02/2018
Acted for RSPB regarding proposals for restoration of Grade I listed Jacobian Mansion and redevelopment of buildings in associated parkland, including demolition of former police training college, under various development options totalling 250 units.
Inquiries
Tyrone-Cavan Interconnector
01/02/2017
Inquiry into proposals for a major infrastructure project which will link the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland electricity network, involving a new overhead line and 102 towers in NI which connect to a new overhead line in the Republic of Ireland across a total distance of around 80km.
Inquiries
Keuper Gas Storage Project
16/03/2016
Examination hearings into the Keuper Gas Storage Project (“KGSP”) Development Consent Order. The KGSP is a nationally significant infrastructure project involving the creation of underground cavities in salt rock that would be used to store natural gas to help meet the UK’s growing energy needs. Full information about the project is available at http://www.kgsp.co.uk/
Charles Banner appeared as sole counsel for the promoters of the project, Keuper Gas Storage Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of INEOS Enterprises Group, and INOVYN Enterprises Ltd, a joint venture between INEOS and the Solvay Group (instructed by Zyda Law).
Scott Lyness represented the University of Manchester.
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy granted the DCO on 15 March 2017.
Inquiries
Secretary of State grants permission for called-in Swindon solar park
20/03/2015
The Secretary of State has granted planning permission for a large solar park at a former airfield at Wroughton, Swindon. The application was made by Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum. The proposed ground mounted PV solar arrays would on a 67 hectare site would provide c. 40MW generation capacity. The application site lies within the North Downs AONB and was opposed by Natural England, the AONB Unit and English Heritage.
The proposals will generate enough renewable electricity for c 12,000 hones. In addition it would provide an income stream to assist the Science Museum with the preservation and conservation of 35,000 larger objects of national importance as well as half a million library and archive texts it stores in hangers on the former airfield. The items stored include a 140 tonne hot metal printing press, the world’s first Hydrogen fuel car, two Trident missiles, a number of airliners and the Tucker Snow Cat.
James Maurici QC appeared for the applicants, Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum, instructed by Pegasus Planning.
Richard Clarke appeared for Swindon Borough Council.
Scott Lyness appeared for English Heritage.
For press coverage click here
Inquiries
Secretary of State grants permission for called-in Swindon solar park
20/03/2015
The Secretary of State has granted planning permission for a large solar park at a former airfield at Wroughton, Swindon. The application was made by Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum. The proposed ground mounted PV solar arrays would on a 67 hectare site would provide c. 40MW generation capacity. The application site lies within the North Downs AONB and was opposed by Natural England, the AONB Unit and English Heritage.
The proposals will generate enough renewable electricity for c 12,000 hones. In addition it would provide an income stream to assist the Science Museum with the preservation and conservation of 35,000 larger objects of national importance as well as half a million library and archive texts it stores in hangers on the former airfield. The items stored include a 140 tonne hot metal printing press, the world’s first Hydrogen fuel car, two Trident missiles, a number of airliners and the Tucker Snow Cat.
James Maurici QC appeared for the applicants, Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum, instructed by Pegasus Planning.
Richard Clarke appeared for Swindon Borough Council.
Scott Lyness appeared for English Heritage.
For press coverage click here
Inquiries
Land at Steel Cross, Crowborough
01/03/2015
Proposals for 102 dwellings outside settlement boundary for Crowborough and within AONB: issues included countryside and AONB policy; landscape impacts; impacts on Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area; mitigation through SANGS; highways impacts.
Inquiries
Called-in Swindon solar park inquiry closes
19/09/2014
A called-in inquiry into a proposed large solar park at a former airfield at Wroughton, Swindon has now closed. The application was made by Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum. The proposed ground mounted PV solar arrays would on a 67 hectare site would provide c. 40MW generation capacity. The application site lies within the North Downs AONB.
The proposals will generate enough renewable electricity for c 12,000 hones. In addition it would provide an income stream to assist the Science Museum with the preservation and conservation of 35,000 larger objects of national importance as well as half a million library and archive texts it stores in hangers on the former airfield. The items stored include a 140 tonne hot metal printing press, the world’s first Hydrogen fuel car, two Trident missiles, a number of airliners and the Tucker Snow Cat.
Swindon Borough Council resolved to grant planning permission in December 2013 but the application was called in by the Secretary of State.
The inquiry sat for 7 days commencing on Tuesday 9 September 2014 and closing on Friday 19 September 2014.
For press coverage, click here.
James Maurici QC appeared for the applicants instructed by Pegasus Planning.
Richard Clarke appeared for Swindon Borough Council.
Scott Lyness appeared for English Heritage.
Inquiries
Called-in Swindon solar park inquiry closes
19/09/2014
An called-in inquiry into a proposed large solar park at a former airfield at Wroughton, Swindon has now closed. The application was made by Swindon Commercial Services Limited and the Science Museum. The proposed ground mounted PV solar arrays would on a 67 hectare site would provide c. 40MW generation capacity. The application site lies within the North Downs AONB.
The proposals will generate enough renewable electricity for c 12,000 hones. In addition it would provide an income stream to assist the Science Museum with the preservation and conservation of 35,000 larger objects of national importance as well as half a million library and archive texts it stores in hangers on the former airfield. The items stored include a 140 tonne hot metal printing press, the world’s first Hydrogen fuel car, two Trident missiles, a number of airliners and the Tucker Snow Cat.
Swindon Borough Council resolved to grant planning permission in December 2013 but the application was called in by the Secretary of State.
The inquiry sat for 7 days commencing on Tuesday 9 September 2014 and closing on Friday 19 September 2014.
For press coverage, click here.
James Maurici QC appeared for the applicants instructed by Pegasus Planning.
Richard Clarke appeared for Swindon Borough Council.
Scott Lyness appeared for English Heritage.
Inquiries
UK Border Agency’s Immigration Reporting Centre, Hounslow
01/01/2009
This inquiry related to the continued use by the UK Border Agency of a site outside Hounslow town centre as a centre where asylum seekers have to report pending the determination of their asylum claims. The case concerned the sustainability of the location and the effect on nearby residents, having regard to the high number of trips generated around 500 visits on average per day.
Inquiries
20 Blackfriars Road, London
09/09/2008
Public inquiry into the proposed Mirax-Beetham Tower at Blackfriars Bridge and the 20 Blackfriars Road development.
Christopher Katkowski QC led Scott Lyness acting for the developer promoting office and residential towers with retail and community uses, totalling over 80,000 sqm of development. The inquiry was conjoined with an inquiry into Beetham’s tall building proposals at 1 Blackfriars Road, which considered the effect of the proposals on views from St James’ Park and, in the case of the 20 Blackfriars Road proposals, the effect of the scheme on views from the Westminster World Heritage Site.
The Secretary of State granted planning permission for the mixed use proposals by Circleplane Ltd at 20 Blackfriars Road, including a residential tower at 148m and an office tower at 109m. The scheme, designed by Wilkinson Eyre architects, was opposed by the Mayor of London, Westminster City Council and English Heritage.
Inquiries
Warwick Road, Kensington & Chelsea
22/07/2008
Inquiry into substantial mixed-use redevelopment, including around 250 homes on the former Territorial Army site in Kensington & Chelsea.
Christopher Katkowski QC led Scott Lyness for the developer promoting substantial mixed-use redevelopment, including around 250 homes on the former Territorial Army site in Kensington & Chelsea.
Inquiries
Croydon Gateway CPO
01/10/2007
6-week inquiry into dispute between Arrowcroft and Croydon Council and Stanhope over the future development of a major site next to East Croydon station.
Christopher Katkowski QC led Scott Lyness in a dispute between (1) Arrowcroft and Croydon Council and (2) Stanhope over the future development of a major site next to East Croydon station. Stanhope has planning permission to develop the site for offices, housing and a park. Arrowcroft and the Council want to see fewer offices (50, 000 sqm), housing (900 homes) and most importantly a 12,500 seat arena on the site. The proposals for the arena-led scheme and a compulsory purchase order to acquire Stanhope’s interests were the subject of a 6-week inquiry in 2007.
Christopher Katkowski QC & Scott Lyness acted on behalf of both Arrowcroft and the Council.
Russell Harris QC acted on behalf of the Council.
Inquiries
Sherford New Community
01/01/2007
Acted for Red Tree Developments at Area Action Plan inquiry, promoting major urban extension to Plymouth: 5500 new homes, over 70,000 sqm commercial floorspace, a 207 hectare community park, major public transport infrastructure and high levels of renewable energy generation. 2 week inquiry (2007).
Inquiries
South Downs National Park
01/01/2007
Acting for West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council at an inquiry into objections to the proposed designation of a South Downs National Park. At previous inquiry sessions in 2003 the inspector accepted the Councils’ argument that any National Park should be focussed on the chalk downlands and recommended a substantial deletion of land from the area proposed by the Countryside Agency (Natural England). Following the Meyrick decision and changes to National Parks legislation, the inquiry reopened this year (2008).