We have a national reputation as the “go to” firm for judicial review work which has seen our lawyers involved in some of the most significant actions of recent years. We regularly act for local authorities in respect of judicial reviews and statutory appeals to the High Court as well as individuals challenging decisions of local authorities. The subject matter of such judicial reviews is varied and includes planning, education, child care and transport.
We have also acted for corporate bodies, non-governmental and non-profit-making organisations or associations with interests in local planning issues and decisions.
The team regularly bring statutory appeals seeking to quash decisions made by inspectors at planning appeals. Such work also involves challenges in respect of cost decisions. We routinely advise in respect of local plans.
We guide claimants and defendants through the whole judicial review process, including:
- The drafting of and response to pre-action protocol letters
- Advising on the merits of the case
- Advising on costs, including advising on protective costs orders in environmental cases
- Preparing and lodging the response to the application
- Preparing for and appearing at the hearing itself
- Advising on appeals
- Acting for a East Sussex Council in a challenge concerning S123 LGA 1972 and a variety of other grounds including Crichel Down Rules; Open Spaces Act 1906.
- Acting for Test Valley in issuing a challenge to quash a decision granting material change of use of land from agricultural to storage and distribution.
- Acting for Wycombe District Council in two separate challenges against Wycombe District Council’s Local Plan.
- Successfully acted for the National Trust to challenge decisions made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
- Acting for Elmbridge Borough Council in defending a JR of the quashing of a decision to grant planning permission for a sports hub.
- Acting for Mid Sussex District Council in defending High Court Judicial Review proceedings involving a grant of planning permission for housing, involving four High Court Challenges and an appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Going Green
It is vital for the legal industry to support the environmental agenda. Our specialist teams are finding more and more ways to support our clients green goals and obligations. Visit our green goals page for more details on how we can achieve green aims both for our clients in the work we do as well as a business and employer.
