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With the new coalition government now in power, the influence of their “localism” agenda is becoming more real. Both parties believe that democracy starts at the community level and we are likely to see the Devolution and Localism Bill pushed through the House of Commons this autumn. It is believed that this will seek to minimise bureaucracy and make decisions more democratically accountable: the replacement of the Infrastructure Planning Commission with a fast-track decision-making process accountable to Parliament is one example. 

There are also optimistic signs that government is listening to industry, so it is an important time for the real estate sector to engage in consultation initiatives. It is only through hearing views of those at the sharp end of development will the Government be able to balance its vision for localism with the need to act in the best interest of the wider economy.

Rated the number one legal team for over a decade, our unrivalled strength and depth ensures that we are able to mobilise resources, create and commission work and exercise influence well beyond the scope of other legal planning practices. Our clients range from property companies, developers, local and central government to utility companies and major infrastructure providers. We have been involved in many of the biggest and most innovative development schemes in the UK, including the Shard, Liverpool One, the Olympic Park, Thames Tideway, the Millennium Dome, Wood Wharf and Westfield. All of this adds up to first-hand experience of almost every conceivable situation facing our clients and an ability to predict the approach likely to be taken by those on the opposite side to our clients.

We offer specialist expertise on all areas of planning law, including Parliamentary Agency, Compulsory Purchase Order, Transport and Works Order along with strategic planning advice. We advise our clients on securing planning permissions, facilitating the delivery of regeneration projects, infrastructure schemes and developments promoted on the basis of sustainable development principles. Our team is well adapted to representing clients in planning appeals and inquiries and has successfully represented clients at judicial review.

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Get in touch

Timothy Pugh

Timothy Pugh

BLP
Partner, Joint Head of Planning & Environment
Tim Hellier

Tim Hellier

BLP
Partner, Joint Head of Planning & Environment

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