Planning for individuals

The planning team covers a comprehensive range of advice and support throughout all aspects of the planning process.

Russell-Cooke provides strategic advice to assist individuals with the often complex aspects of planning law, helping clients achieve their property aims.

How we can help you secure planning permission

Strategic planning advice in relation to planning applications, change of use applications and the effective use of Permitted Development Rights working alongside planning consultants as appropriate to bolster planning applications
Drafting lawful development certificates for future or already completed development
Drafting planning obligations/agreements which are required for the grant of planning permission, for example s106 agreements to secure affordable housing or a car free development and subsequent deeds of variation
Advice on planning policy which may affect the proposed development

How we can help if your planning application is refused

Appeals of planning decisions which have been refused
Statutory challenges/High Court appeals
If enforcement action is taken by the council, we can assist by appealing this
If you have been prosecuted for failure to comply with an enforcement notice, we work with our criminal litigation team to try to work with the council to find a mutually agreeable solution

How we can help if you want to object to a proposed development

Drafting objection letters against neighbouring developments and representing clients at planning committee
Judicial review of planning permissions
Working with a council to achieve enforcement action if a neighbour is carrying out unlawful development

Other planning issues we can assist with

Listed properties or those located within a Conservation area and implications for any proposed works
Properties with trees subject to a Trees Preservation Order and implications for any proposed works
Common land, village greens and assets of community value
Breaches of licensing
Highways Law and public rights of way
Property subject to a proposed compulsory purchase order (CPO) including compensation advice
Community Infrastructure Levy – acting on reviews and appeals

The planning team are known for their openness and collaborative culture, which works to the great benefit of client outcomes.

The Legal 500 (2023)

Our planning lawyers, led by Alex Ground, are praised in The Legal 500 (2023) for their excellent client care and "open and collaborative" culture, which works "to the great benefit of client outcomes."

Charging information

Charges are usually based on our hourly rates plus administrative charges and disbursements. We will provide you with an initial estimate of your likely legal costs and will update this as your requirements or the circumstances of the work change.

We may also be able to offer fixed priced options for clients depending on their budget and the size, type and complexity of the work involved.

We would be pleased to discuss your requirements free of charge and tailor a costs proposal accordingly.

Get in touch

If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our real estate planning and construction solicitors; Holborn office (Email Holborn) +44 (0)20 3826 7523; Kingston office (Email Kingston) +44 (0)20 3826 7518; Putney office (Email Putney) +44 (0)20 3826 7518 or complete our form.