Planning and highways

Advice and assistance for developers and local authorities on town and country planning and highways matters.

The legal aspects of building and road developments have always been complex, and have become more so in recent times due to the increasing importance of environmental issues. What has remained the same is the need for expert advice and efficient management of the legal process in every detail. 

Weightmans' Planning and Highways team has been handling these issues for clients in the private and public sector for many years. We provide specialist planning, environmental and highways advice to local authorities and developers, from routine agreements to major infrastructure projects and town centre redevelopment schemes.

Our approach is based on close co-operation and involvement with your staff, and ensuring that your objectives are achieved. In particular, we advise and handle negotiations on the need for planning permission and deal with compulsory purchase order and appeals.

We draft and negotiate section 106 and section 278 agreements, handle highways closures and advise on highways law generally. We also advise on environment compliance issues and other consent regimes and conduct risk analyses.

As a major national practice, we can draw on the experience of our Regulatory Services team to provide a quick and effective enforcement service. We are fully aware of the unique nature of public sector enforcement work with its political and financial implications, as well as the importance of good witness care and the imperative of meeting tight deadlines. Our large team of specialist lawyers is well versed in handling and advising on sensitive issues, and have wide experience of criminal litigation for local authorities.