OUr Expertise

Planning Appeals and Public Inquiries

Planning Appeals and Public Inquiries

If your planning application has been refused, you may have the right to submit a planning appeal to the Planning Inspectorate under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Appeals can proceed by written representations, informal hearing or public inquiry. The correct route depends on the complexity of the issues.

Mercantile Barristers represents clients in:

• Planning appeal hearings
•  Public inquiries involving expert evidence
• Cross examination of planning and technical witnesses
• Site visits and procedural case management

Recent examples of appeal issues include:

    • Refusal based on alleged harm to character and appearance of the local area
    • Public enquiry to determine whether a commercial development fringed on a right to light
    • Green Belt special circumstances arguments
    •Land that had been used for a purpose other than initially intended for over 10 years, constituting a change of use

A properly structured appeal that addresses policy head on can reverse a refusal.

If you require representation in a planning appeal or inquiry, please complete the enquiry form and one of our planning clerks will be in touch.

How Our Process Works

Instructing our direct access barristers is the cost effective alternative to the traditional route of engaging a solicitor first. The process is just as straightforward. Here’s how the process works:

1

You Have a Legal Problem?

You can call, email, or fill out an enquiry form to tell us about your case. One of our specialist clerks will speak with you to make the arrangements to advance your case.
2

We Have the Barrister for You.

Our specialist clerk will match you with the barrister with the expertise to deal with all aspects of your case. They will also obtain and organise the papers the barrister will have to consider in your case.
3

Initial Consultation

Our clerk will agree the fee for your consultation with the barrister beforehand. The clerk will then arrange a convenient time for you to have the consultation by video call, telephone or in person.

In the consultation the barrister will assess your legal position, devise a legal strategy, and give you appropriate advice on the necessary next steps to achieve your objective.

Instruct a Barrister

Make an Enquiry

Call us – Mon-Fri 8:30am – 6:30pm

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+44 (0) 20 3034 0077

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