Practice Summary
Tim Corner practises mainly in the fields of planning, compulsory purchase and public law, including local government and environment law. His planning work embraces all types of development. He appears regularly in the higher courts and in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) as well as in inquiries, examinations and hearings.
Recent cases in court include Wild Justice v Natural Resources Wales [2021] EWHC 35 (High Court, judicial review challenge to licences to cull wild birds), Sawkill v Highways England [2020] EWHC 801 (Dove J, Development Consent Orders, statutory construction), Burgos & Amayo v Secretary of State [2019] EWHC 2792 (Jay J, compulsory purchase), R (Hawksworth Securities) v Peterborough City Council [2016] EWHC 1870 (Lang J, relevance of alternative sites in determining planning applications), Leicester University v Secretary of State [2016] JPL 709 (Supperstone J, relevance of extrinsic evidence in interpreting planning permissions) Turner v Secretary of State [2015] EWCA Civ 582 (Court of Appeal, bias in public law), R (Foster & Langton) v Forest of Dean DC [2015] EWHC 2648 (Cranston J and Court of Appeal, Habitats Regulations), Attorney General v HMB Holdings [2014] UKPC 5 (Privy Council, valuation in compulsory purchase cases).
As a Deputy High Court Judge Tim regularly deals with planning cases in the Administrative Court. His recent judgements include R (G) v Thanet DC [2021] EWHC 2026 (bias, appropriate assessment, delegation to officers) and R (Buxton) v Cambridge City Council [2021] EWHC 2028 (listed buildings, relevance of reversibility of alterations).
Tim appeared for the Welsh Government at the examination of the Wylfa Newydd Development Consent Order and recently acted for HS2 in a major compulsory purchase compensation claim in the Upper Tribunal.
Recent public inquiries include appearances for Berkeley Homes (new riverside development in Reading, new school and housing in the Surrey Green Belt), BMOR (12 and 14 storey residential development in Vauxhall), Sainsbury’s (new stores with major residential above in Ilford and Whitechapel), Haringey Council (Wards Corner CPO, large scale urban regeneration) and Canary Wharf and Qatari Diar (Southbank Place development behind the London Eye). He has also recently secured allocation for 5000 new homes and 30h of employment in the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan, on behalf of O&H Ltd.
Tim is listed by Chambers & Partners as a leading silk in planning law (top tier) and by the Legal 500 as a leading silk in planning and environment law.
Judicial Appointments
Deputy High Court Judge 2008
Recorder 2004 (authorised to sit at the Central Criminal Court – the Old Bailey)
Other Appointments
Member, Department of Communities and Local Government Panel of Expert Planning Mediators since November 2012
Member of the Welsh Government Panel of Queens Counsel since 2009
Chairman, Planning and Environment Bar Association 2008-2012
Chairman, Advisory Panel on Standards for the Planning Inspectorate 2006-2010
Member, Joint Oxford Planning Law Conference Committee, 2001-2010
Bencher of Gray’s Inn since 2007
Professional Associations
Planning and Environment Bar Association, Administrative Law Bar Association, United Kingdom Environmental Law Association
Publications
Articles in Journal of Planning and Environment Law on planning, environment and human rights
Languages
French, Italian
Qualifications
Tim holds the degrees of MA (Jurisprudence) and BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law) from Oxford University. He was a Demy (Open Scholar) of Magdalen College, Oxford. He is a Deputy High Court Judge and a Recorder (authorised to sit in the Crown Court including the Old Bailey, and the County Court). He is a past Chairman of the Planning & Environment Bar Association and of the Advisory Panel on Standards for the Planning Inspectorate and is a Bencher of Gray’s Inn.
Recommendations
“Timothy is an outstanding advocate – one of the absolutely top-notch planning QCs. He is a tenacious advocate for schemes but also a critical friend, and that is particularly valuable.” “He is extremely knowledgeable, approachable and personable.” “He is extremely client-focused and has excellent advocacy skills.” Chambers & Partners 2022, Planning
“An excellent advocate who brings gravitas to any inquiry or court proceedings.” Legal 500 2022, Environment
“Tim is a star – well-prepared and meticulous, he listens well and provides counsel of great integrity. He works well with project teams and is prepared to give a plain view of the weaknesses of a case, then chart a course to address them.” Legal 500 2022, Planning
“He’s very good at working with and getting the best out of a team.” “His personality is such that he takes every team member with him and he’s very technologically savvy.” Chambers & Partners 2021, Planning
“He cuts through the detail to provide sound, strategic advice.” “Very experienced and tactically astute.” Chambers & Partners 2021, Local Government
“He will forensically examine every single aspect of the case and will be incredibly well prepared for the case.” “He has a measured, understated but confident style of advocacy which comes across very well in the High Court.” Chambers & Partners 2020, Planning
“A very polite and calm opponent who is eminently thorough and never misses a point.” “An extremely hard-working and charming advocate.” Chambers & Partners 2020, Local Government
Inquiries
- 17/03/2022Major riverside development allowed in Reading for Berkeley Homes
- 23/07/202086 apartments allowed in Brentwood following digital inquiry
- 25/09/2019Successful planning appeals for 10 and 14 storey mixed use development in Vauxhall
- 23/07/2019Successful planning appeal for 9 storey building in West London
- 23/01/2019Wards Corner – Secretary of State confirms regeneration CPO in Haringey
- 12/10/2018Entrance signage approved for Islington Square development
- 17/09/2018Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council (Chester Northgate) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017
- 21/03/2018Green Belt housing and new secondary school allowed in Surrey
- 14/03/2018Secretary of State allows appeal by Sainsbury’s for new store and 683 flats in Ilford
- 04/12/2017Oxford student accommodation appeal dismissed on heritage grounds
- 26/06/2017Council of the Borough of South Tyneside (Barrington Street, Coronation Street, East Street, Keppel Street and King Street) Compulsory Purchase Order 2016 and associated Stopping Up Order
- 18/10/2016Metropolitan Borough of Solihull (Touchwood Extension, Solihull) Compulsory Purchase Order 2015 and the Stopping Up of Highway (West Midlands) Order 201
- 25/08/2016London Borough of Hounslow (Hounslow High Street Quarter) Compulsory Purchase Order 2015
- 09/08/2016Housing inquiry in Northampton for Northampton Borough Council
- 01/03/2016Secretary of State grants permission for Northampton Sustainable Urban Extension
- 14/08/2015Housing inquiry for Fairview New Homes in Dartford
- 03/06/2015Re-hearing inquiry for UK Coal PLC – Bradley site, Durham
- 23/03/2015Housing inquiry for Fairview New Homes in Willesden
- 06/06/2014Shell Centre Proposals Approved
- 13/05/2014Coventry and Warwickshire Gateway call-in inquiry
- 14/03/2014Cofferidge Close supermarket inquiry for CBRE Investors
- 12/12/2013Shell Centre Inquiry
- 04/10/2013Fairview New Homes Inquiry at Dartford
- 25/07/2013Housing Inquiry for Indigo Planning in Cramlington, nr Newcastle
- 24/06/2013Lichfield Core Strategy
- 11/06/2013Fairview New Homes inquiry at Runnymede
- 11/03/2013Tottenham Hotspur CPO inquiry
- 30/09/2012Aylesbury Vale Core Strategy
- 19/01/2012O&H Properties Limited, land at Newton Leys, Aylesbury Vale
- 23/11/2011UK Coal PLC – Bradley site, Durham
- 13/09/2011The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (Bromley By Bow)(South) Compulsory Purchase Order
- 04/03/2011Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Darlington
- 04/01/2011Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Archer Road Sheffield
- 05/12/2010Hadley Homes, Waltham Forest
- 04/07/2010Fairview Homes, Croydon
- 04/05/2010Sainsbury’s Supermarkets, Chesterfield
- 23/12/2009Kent International Gateway
- 23/07/2009Daventry Housing Appeals Inquiry
- 01/04/2009UK Coal PLC – Huntington Lane, Shropshire
- 30/03/2009Tesco Stores, Birmingham
- 01/01/2009West Northamptonshire Development Corporation Inquiry
- 30/10/2008Kirkgate, Huddersfield
- 10/05/2007Berwick Retail Inquiry
- 21/02/2006English Partnerships – Kings Waterfront
- 13/09/2005Long Moor Surface Mine Site nr Coalville, Leicestershire
- 01/09/2004Fortune Green Road Inquiry
- 23/06/2004Pelham Homes
- 14/04/2004MTV
- 31/01/2004Tonbridge & Malling Major Sites Inquiry
- 20/01/2004Delancey London Company Ltd
- 08/04/2003J Sainsbury
- 14/01/2003Tesco
Inquiries
Major riverside development allowed in Reading for Berkeley Homes
17/03/2022
An appeal by Berkeley Homes (Oxford and Chiltern) Ltd against Reading Borough Council’s refusal of permission for a residential development of 209 homes on the banks of the Thames has been allowed by the Inspector. The appeal site is in a key location between the town centre and the river. The Council refused permission on design, highways, heritage, noise, landscape and ecology grounds, all of which were rejected by the Inspector after an inquiry lasting four weeks. The appellant was represented by Tim Corner QC and Alex Shattock.
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
86 apartments allowed in Brentwood following digital inquiry
23/07/2020
An appeal by Fairview New Homes against Brentwood Council’s refusal of permission for a development of 86 apartments has been allowed by the Inspector in one of the first decisions following a digital inquiry. The appellant was represented by Tim Corner QC, who reports that the five day inquiry ran smoothly with no technical hitches.
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Successful planning appeals for 10 and 14 storey mixed use development in Vauxhall
25/09/2019
A planning inspector has allowed two appeals against refusal of permission for a 10 and 14 storey residential and commercial development in Vauxhall, Lambeth. The decision can be found here. Timothy Corner QC appeared for the Appellant.
Inquiries
Successful planning appeal for 9 storey building in West London
23/07/2019
A planning inspector has allowed an appeal against refusal of permission for a part 9 storey residential and commercial development in Hanwell, in the London Borough of Ealing.
The decision can be found here.
Timothy Corner QC appeared for the Appellant, and Guy Williams appeared for the Council.
Inquiries
Wards Corner – Secretary of State confirms regeneration CPO in Haringey
23/01/2019
The Secretary of State has confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order for the redevelopment of the Wards Corner site in Haringey. Click here for a copy of the decision and here for a copy of the Inspector’s report.
The main objectors were Latin American market traders who objected because of the temporary displacement of the market, raising issues under the Equalities and Human Rights legislation. The Secretary of State decided their rights had been sufficiently protected and that the redevelopment would bring substantial benefits.
Inquiries
Entrance signage approved for Islington Square development
12/10/2018
The Inspector has allowed an appeal against Islington Council’s refusal to allow a canopy to be fitted to the listed former Post Office on Upper Street, Islington, to mark the entrance for the Islington Square development.
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council (Chester Northgate) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017
17/09/2018
The Secretary of State has confirmed the CPO and associated orders for the £300 m Chester Northgate development.
Click here for the decision, here for the Inspector’s report, and here for the Stopping Up Order and other associated documents.
Inquiries
Green Belt housing and new secondary school allowed in Surrey
21/03/2018
The Secretary of State has allowed an appeal by Berkeley Homes (Southern) Ltd and the Howard Partnership Trust against the refusal by Guildford Borough Council of permission for 295 dwellings and a replacement secondary school in the Green Belt at Effingham, Surrey.
Timothy Corner QC appeared for the Appellants.
For the decision and Inspector’s report, click here.
Inquiries
Secretary of State allows appeal by Sainsbury’s for new store and 683 flats in Ilford
14/03/2018
The Secretary of State has allowed Sainsbury’s appeal for a major redevelopment in Ilford Town Centre, accepting that the development would bring substantial benefits and that the provision of 27 affordable housing units was the maximum reasonable. Timothy Corner QC appeared for Sainsbury’s and Neil Cameron QC appeared for the Council.
For the decision and Inspector’s report press here.
Inquiries
Oxford student accommodation appeal dismissed on heritage grounds
04/12/2017
The Inspector has dismissed an appeal by McLaren and Merton College, Oxford against Oxford City Council’s refusal of planning permission for student accommodation at Manor Place, Oxford. The Inspector concluded that the scheme’s impact on heritage assets, including Magdalen College Grove (Deer Park) would not be outweighed by its public benefits.
Timothy Corner QC and Admas Habteslasie appeared for Magdalen College and the Oxford Preservation Trust.
Reuben Taylor QC and Andrew Byass acted for the Appellants. Please click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Council of the Borough of South Tyneside (Barrington Street, Coronation Street, East Street, Keppel Street and King Street) Compulsory Purchase Order 2016 and associated Stopping Up Order
26/06/2017
The CPO and Stopping Up Order for the regeneration of South Shields have been confirmed.
Click here and here for the decisions, and here for the report.
Inquiries
Metropolitan Borough of Solihull (Touchwood Extension, Solihull) Compulsory Purchase Order 2015 and the Stopping Up of Highway (West Midlands) Order 201
18/10/2016
The CPO and Stopping Up Order were confirmed for the extension to the Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull.
Please click here and here for the decision letters and here for the report.
Inquiries
Housing inquiry in Northampton for Northampton Borough Council
09/08/2016
The Secretary of State granted outline planning permission for 1000 houses, but refused a detailed application for the first phase.
Please click here for the decision letter and report.
Inquiries
Secretary of State grants permission for Northampton Sustainable Urban Extension
01/03/2016
The Secretary of State today allowed an appeal under s. 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and granted outline planning permission for “a sustainable urban extension to include up to 1,000 dwellings (class C3); a local centre with up to 1,320m2 net floorspace of retail, professional and financial services, and restaurants/ cafes (classes A1, A2 and A3); up to 375m2 net for a public house (class A4); 2.09ha of land for a two-form entry primary school; up to 750m2 for community uses which may include a medical centre, a pharmacy and a community centre (class D1); infrastructure improvements including a pumping station, green infrastructure and highway access” at land to the east of Hardingstone, Northampton.
The appellant was the Homes & Communities Agency. The proposed sustainable urban extension was the subject of Policy N6 of the West Northamptonshire Core Strategy. The local planning authority refused planning permission based on the impact on character and appearance and traffic issues. An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State held an inquiry that sat for 9 days in June and July 2015. The Secretary of State’s decision to allow the appeal and grant permission in agreement with the Inspector’s recommendation is dated 29 February 2016.
James Maurici QC and Toby Fisher appeared for the Homes and Communities Agency, the appellant, instructed by Walker Morris LLP.
Tim Corner QC and Heather Sargent appeared for Northampton Borough Council.
Inquiries
Inquiries
Inquiries
Shell Centre Proposals Approved
06/06/2014
The Secretary of State has approved applications for planning permission, conservation area consent and listed building consent to enable the comprehensive redevelopment of the Shell Centre site, between Waterloo Station and the Thames. The proposals, which retain the iconic Shell Tower, will involve the construction of 8 new buildings (ranging in height from 5 to 37 storeys) to provide around 220,000m2 of floorspace comprising offices, up to 877 residential units, retail, leisure and community uses. The applications, which were supported by the London Borough of Lambeth, had been called in by the Secretary of State for his own determination following concerns which had been raised about the possible impact on the setting of the Westminster World Heritage Site.
Accepting the recommendation of his Inspector (Mr John Braithwaite) the Secretary of State concluded that the proposed development would be of exemplary design quality which, although it would be visible in views from St James Park and the Westminster World Heritage Site, would not harm the setting of either, or of the other heritage assets on the north and south banks of the river. It would also maximise the amount of affordable housing, and provide space for up to 2000 more office workers, thus optimising the potential for the provision of jobs and homes on the site.
Timothy Corner QC and Paul Brown QC acted for the applicant, Braeburn Estates Limited.
A copy of the decision letter can be downloaded here.
Inquiries
Inquiries
Housing Inquiry for Indigo Planning in Cramlington, nr Newcastle
25/07/2013
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Tottenham Hotspur CPO inquiry
11/03/2013
Tim Corner QC appeared for Haringey Council (leading Christopher Katkowski QC) in March-April 2013 at the inquiry into the CPO for the new stadium for Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Inquiries
Aylesbury Vale Core Strategy
30/09/2012
Resolution to grant permission for 2000 homes for Barratt.
In February and March 2010 Tim Corner QC and Lisa Busch appeared for Barratt Homes at the examination into the Aylesbury Vale Core Strategy, to promote Barratt’s proposals for more than 2000 homes. The Council has now resolved to grant permission for the proposals.
Inquiries
O&H Properties Limited, land at Newton Leys, Aylesbury Vale
19/01/2012
Tim Corner QC appeared for O&H Properties Limited about a housing proposal on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, within Aylesbury Vale District. Planning permission was granted by the Secretary of State.
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
UK Coal PLC – Bradley site, Durham
23/11/2011
Tim Corner QC appeared for UK Coal in an inquiry about a surface mine proposal in County Durham.
Inquiries
Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Darlington
04/03/2011
Tim Corner QC appeared for Sainsbury’s at an inquiry into proposals to extend their superstore at Darlington.
Inquiries
Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Archer Road Sheffield
04/01/2011
Tim Corner QC appeared for Sainsbury’s at an inquiry for extensions to their superstore in Archer Road Sheffield.
Inquiries
Hadley Homes, Waltham Forest
05/12/2010
Tim Corner QC appeared for Hadley Homes at an inquiry into proposals for over 600 units of housing in Waltham Forest. Click here for the Secretary of State’s decision and Inspector’s report.
Inquiries
Fairview Homes, Croydon
04/07/2010
Tim Corner QC appeared for Fairview New Homes Ltd in their appeal against refusal of planning permission for new housing development by Croydon LBC. Permission was granted. Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets, Chesterfield
04/05/2010
Tim Corner QC successfully appeared for Sainsbury’s in their appeal against Chesterfield BC’s refusal of permission for extension of a superstore. Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Kent International Gateway
23/12/2009
Timothy Corner QC and Stephen Whale represented Maidstone Borough Council at lengthy planning inquiry into appeal an against refusal to grant planning permission for strategic rail freight interchange on 112 hectares site; planning permission refused by the Secretary of State in September 2010. Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Daventry Housing Appeals Inquiry
23/07/2009
Timothy Corner QC and Stephen Whale represented West Northamptonshire Development Corporation at this lengthy planning inquiry into three appeals concerning proposals for up to 10,000 new houses on land outside Daventry.
Inquiries
Berwick Retail Inquiry
10/05/2007
Six week long inquiry into proposals for new food and non-food floorspace in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Five schemes seeking approval. Timothy Corner QC represented Tesco.
Inquiries
Long Moor Surface Mine Site nr Coalville, Leicestershire
13/09/2005
A four week appeal into open cast mine proposals at Ravenstone, NW Leicestershire. The full range of environmental, sustainability and minerals planning issues were considered on a proposal which generated very high levels of local interest.
Timothy Corner QC appeared for UK Coal Mining Ltd.
Inquiries
Fortune Green Road Inquiry
01/09/2004
Tim Corner QC for Sager Management, at an inquiry into six appeal schemes adjacent to Hampstead Cemetery, Camden. All schemes designed by Piers Gough and comprised residential-led mixed-use schemes with retail and leisure. The key issue was whether the appeal schemes contained enough Affordable Housing.
Articles and Presentations
Inquiries
Major riverside development allowed in Reading for Berkeley Homes
17/03/2022
An appeal by Berkeley Homes (Oxford and Chiltern) Ltd against Reading Borough Council’s refusal of permission for a residential development of 209 homes on the banks of the Thames has been allowed by the Inspector. The appeal site is in a key location between the town centre and the river. The Council refused permission on design, highways, heritage, noise, landscape and ecology grounds, all of which were rejected by the Inspector after an inquiry lasting four weeks. The appellant was represented by Tim Corner QC and Alex Shattock.
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
86 apartments allowed in Brentwood following digital inquiry
23/07/2020
An appeal by Fairview New Homes against Brentwood Council’s refusal of permission for a development of 86 apartments has been allowed by the Inspector in one of the first decisions following a digital inquiry. The appellant was represented by Tim Corner QC, who reports that the five day inquiry ran smoothly with no technical hitches.
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Successful planning appeals for 10 and 14 storey mixed use development in Vauxhall
25/09/2019
A planning inspector has allowed two appeals against refusal of permission for a 10 and 14 storey residential and commercial development in Vauxhall, Lambeth. The decision can be found here. Timothy Corner QC appeared for the Appellant.
Inquiries
Successful planning appeal for 9 storey building in West London
23/07/2019
A planning inspector has allowed an appeal against refusal of permission for a part 9 storey residential and commercial development in Hanwell, in the London Borough of Ealing.
The decision can be found here.
Timothy Corner QC appeared for the Appellant, and Guy Williams appeared for the Council.
Inquiries
Wards Corner – Secretary of State confirms regeneration CPO in Haringey
23/01/2019
The Secretary of State has confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order for the redevelopment of the Wards Corner site in Haringey. Click here for a copy of the decision and here for a copy of the Inspector’s report.
The main objectors were Latin American market traders who objected because of the temporary displacement of the market, raising issues under the Equalities and Human Rights legislation. The Secretary of State decided their rights had been sufficiently protected and that the redevelopment would bring substantial benefits.
Inquiries
Entrance signage approved for Islington Square development
12/10/2018
The Inspector has allowed an appeal against Islington Council’s refusal to allow a canopy to be fitted to the listed former Post Office on Upper Street, Islington, to mark the entrance for the Islington Square development.
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council (Chester Northgate) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017
17/09/2018
The Secretary of State has confirmed the CPO and associated orders for the £300 m Chester Northgate development.
Click here for the decision, here for the Inspector’s report, and here for the Stopping Up Order and other associated documents.
Inquiries
Green Belt housing and new secondary school allowed in Surrey
21/03/2018
The Secretary of State has allowed an appeal by Berkeley Homes (Southern) Ltd and the Howard Partnership Trust against the refusal by Guildford Borough Council of permission for 295 dwellings and a replacement secondary school in the Green Belt at Effingham, Surrey.
Timothy Corner QC appeared for the Appellants.
For the decision and Inspector’s report, click here.
Inquiries
Secretary of State allows appeal by Sainsbury’s for new store and 683 flats in Ilford
14/03/2018
The Secretary of State has allowed Sainsbury’s appeal for a major redevelopment in Ilford Town Centre, accepting that the development would bring substantial benefits and that the provision of 27 affordable housing units was the maximum reasonable. Timothy Corner QC appeared for Sainsbury’s and Neil Cameron QC appeared for the Council.
For the decision and Inspector’s report press here.
Inquiries
Oxford student accommodation appeal dismissed on heritage grounds
04/12/2017
The Inspector has dismissed an appeal by McLaren and Merton College, Oxford against Oxford City Council’s refusal of planning permission for student accommodation at Manor Place, Oxford. The Inspector concluded that the scheme’s impact on heritage assets, including Magdalen College Grove (Deer Park) would not be outweighed by its public benefits.
Timothy Corner QC and Admas Habteslasie appeared for Magdalen College and the Oxford Preservation Trust.
Reuben Taylor QC and Andrew Byass acted for the Appellants. Please click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Council of the Borough of South Tyneside (Barrington Street, Coronation Street, East Street, Keppel Street and King Street) Compulsory Purchase Order 2016 and associated Stopping Up Order
26/06/2017
The CPO and Stopping Up Order for the regeneration of South Shields have been confirmed.
Click here and here for the decisions, and here for the report.
Inquiries
Metropolitan Borough of Solihull (Touchwood Extension, Solihull) Compulsory Purchase Order 2015 and the Stopping Up of Highway (West Midlands) Order 201
18/10/2016
The CPO and Stopping Up Order were confirmed for the extension to the Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull.
Please click here and here for the decision letters and here for the report.
Inquiries
Housing inquiry in Northampton for Northampton Borough Council
09/08/2016
The Secretary of State granted outline planning permission for 1000 houses, but refused a detailed application for the first phase.
Please click here for the decision letter and report.
Inquiries
Secretary of State grants permission for Northampton Sustainable Urban Extension
01/03/2016
The Secretary of State today allowed an appeal under s. 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and granted outline planning permission for “a sustainable urban extension to include up to 1,000 dwellings (class C3); a local centre with up to 1,320m2 net floorspace of retail, professional and financial services, and restaurants/ cafes (classes A1, A2 and A3); up to 375m2 net for a public house (class A4); 2.09ha of land for a two-form entry primary school; up to 750m2 for community uses which may include a medical centre, a pharmacy and a community centre (class D1); infrastructure improvements including a pumping station, green infrastructure and highway access” at land to the east of Hardingstone, Northampton.
The appellant was the Homes & Communities Agency. The proposed sustainable urban extension was the subject of Policy N6 of the West Northamptonshire Core Strategy. The local planning authority refused planning permission based on the impact on character and appearance and traffic issues. An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State held an inquiry that sat for 9 days in June and July 2015. The Secretary of State’s decision to allow the appeal and grant permission in agreement with the Inspector’s recommendation is dated 29 February 2016.
James Maurici QC and Toby Fisher appeared for the Homes and Communities Agency, the appellant, instructed by Walker Morris LLP.
Tim Corner QC and Heather Sargent appeared for Northampton Borough Council.
Inquiries
Inquiries
Inquiries
Shell Centre Proposals Approved
06/06/2014
The Secretary of State has approved applications for planning permission, conservation area consent and listed building consent to enable the comprehensive redevelopment of the Shell Centre site, between Waterloo Station and the Thames. The proposals, which retain the iconic Shell Tower, will involve the construction of 8 new buildings (ranging in height from 5 to 37 storeys) to provide around 220,000m2 of floorspace comprising offices, up to 877 residential units, retail, leisure and community uses. The applications, which were supported by the London Borough of Lambeth, had been called in by the Secretary of State for his own determination following concerns which had been raised about the possible impact on the setting of the Westminster World Heritage Site.
Accepting the recommendation of his Inspector (Mr John Braithwaite) the Secretary of State concluded that the proposed development would be of exemplary design quality which, although it would be visible in views from St James Park and the Westminster World Heritage Site, would not harm the setting of either, or of the other heritage assets on the north and south banks of the river. It would also maximise the amount of affordable housing, and provide space for up to 2000 more office workers, thus optimising the potential for the provision of jobs and homes on the site.
Timothy Corner QC and Paul Brown QC acted for the applicant, Braeburn Estates Limited.
A copy of the decision letter can be downloaded here.
Inquiries
Inquiries
Housing Inquiry for Indigo Planning in Cramlington, nr Newcastle
25/07/2013
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Tottenham Hotspur CPO inquiry
11/03/2013
Tim Corner QC appeared for Haringey Council (leading Christopher Katkowski QC) in March-April 2013 at the inquiry into the CPO for the new stadium for Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Inquiries
Aylesbury Vale Core Strategy
30/09/2012
Resolution to grant permission for 2000 homes for Barratt.
In February and March 2010 Tim Corner QC and Lisa Busch appeared for Barratt Homes at the examination into the Aylesbury Vale Core Strategy, to promote Barratt’s proposals for more than 2000 homes. The Council has now resolved to grant permission for the proposals.
Inquiries
O&H Properties Limited, land at Newton Leys, Aylesbury Vale
19/01/2012
Tim Corner QC appeared for O&H Properties Limited about a housing proposal on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, within Aylesbury Vale District. Planning permission was granted by the Secretary of State.
Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
UK Coal PLC – Bradley site, Durham
23/11/2011
Tim Corner QC appeared for UK Coal in an inquiry about a surface mine proposal in County Durham.
Inquiries
Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Darlington
04/03/2011
Tim Corner QC appeared for Sainsbury’s at an inquiry into proposals to extend their superstore at Darlington.
Inquiries
Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Archer Road Sheffield
04/01/2011
Tim Corner QC appeared for Sainsbury’s at an inquiry for extensions to their superstore in Archer Road Sheffield.
Inquiries
Hadley Homes, Waltham Forest
05/12/2010
Tim Corner QC appeared for Hadley Homes at an inquiry into proposals for over 600 units of housing in Waltham Forest. Click here for the Secretary of State’s decision and Inspector’s report.
Inquiries
Fairview Homes, Croydon
04/07/2010
Tim Corner QC appeared for Fairview New Homes Ltd in their appeal against refusal of planning permission for new housing development by Croydon LBC. Permission was granted. Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets, Chesterfield
04/05/2010
Tim Corner QC successfully appeared for Sainsbury’s in their appeal against Chesterfield BC’s refusal of permission for extension of a superstore. Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Kent International Gateway
23/12/2009
Timothy Corner QC and Stephen Whale represented Maidstone Borough Council at lengthy planning inquiry into appeal an against refusal to grant planning permission for strategic rail freight interchange on 112 hectares site; planning permission refused by the Secretary of State in September 2010. Click here for the decision.
Inquiries
Daventry Housing Appeals Inquiry
23/07/2009
Timothy Corner QC and Stephen Whale represented West Northamptonshire Development Corporation at this lengthy planning inquiry into three appeals concerning proposals for up to 10,000 new houses on land outside Daventry.
Inquiries
Berwick Retail Inquiry
10/05/2007
Six week long inquiry into proposals for new food and non-food floorspace in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Five schemes seeking approval. Timothy Corner QC represented Tesco.
Inquiries
Long Moor Surface Mine Site nr Coalville, Leicestershire
13/09/2005
A four week appeal into open cast mine proposals at Ravenstone, NW Leicestershire. The full range of environmental, sustainability and minerals planning issues were considered on a proposal which generated very high levels of local interest.
Timothy Corner QC appeared for UK Coal Mining Ltd.
Inquiries
Fortune Green Road Inquiry
01/09/2004
Tim Corner QC for Sager Management, at an inquiry into six appeal schemes adjacent to Hampstead Cemetery, Camden. All schemes designed by Piers Gough and comprised residential-led mixed-use schemes with retail and leisure. The key issue was whether the appeal schemes contained enough Affordable Housing.