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News
Must read
Must read
Features
August 13, 2025
Inability to speak at a planning committee meeting and prejudice
The Court of Appeal recently upheld a grant of planning permission for major development in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Isabella Tafur explains why.
Aug 13, 2025
A new planning bill for Wales: What will this mean?
Bill Cordingley and Ben Standing look at the key elements of the draft Planning (Wales) Bill.
Aug 12, 2025
FOI is a collateral attack on enforcement
Roderick Morton examines the outcome of a recent First-tier Tribunal case where a planning consultant sought information about a local authority’s handling of planning enforcement.
Aug 01, 2025
The power of local authorities to set local energy efficiency standards
The Court of Appeal has given judgment on local energy efficiency standards and a key Environment Act duty. Estelle Dehon KC and Rowan Clapp analyse the ruling.
Aug 01, 2025
Flood risk and emerging Local Plans
Paul Cairnes KC and Jessica Allen analyse a significant decision by a planning inspector on flood risk and emerging Local Plans at Reg.19 stage.
Jul 25, 2025
Assessment of alternative sites and s.149 Equality Act
Chatura Saravanan looks at the lessons from a recent Planning Court challenge to the grant of planning permission for a recycling centre near an outdoor education facility.
Jul 25, 2025
Surface water and flood risk
A Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) change could easily mop up this surface water flood risk sequential test mess, writes Simon Ricketts.
Features
June 11, 2025
Council liability in cases of personal injury suffered on public highways
Thom Lumley and Catherine Zakarias-Welch analyse another significant ruling on liability for injuries sustained on public highways, in which the court reinforced the considerable evidentiary responsibility resting with claimants.
Jun 06, 2025
The statutory duty under s.41 Highways Act 1980
Carol Cheng makes some observations on two different public liability cases alleging breach of statutory duty under s.41 Highways Act 1980 (Duty to maintain highways maintainable at public expense) which gave rise to different outcomes.
May 14, 2025
Traffic management orders and low traffic neighbourhoods
A High Court judge recently considered a challenge to experimental traffic orders establishing a low traffic neighbourhood in London. Charles Streeten examines the ruling.
May 02, 2025
Time limits and CIL
Christopher Cant looks at the lessons to be learned from a recent judicial review challenge over a council’s decision to issue and serve a CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) stop notice.
Apr 22, 2025
Cross-examination in judicial review
The High Court has rejected a parish council’s claim of legitimate expectation in a dispute over whether a district’s leader made a binding promise in a local meeting about the route of a ‘greenway’. Charles Streeten and Michael Feeney analyse the ruling.
Apr 04, 2025
Take it to the bridge
The High Court recently dismissed a wide-ranging judicial review challenge to the proposed Oxpens Bridge in Oxford. Meyric Lewis KC explains why.
Mar 07, 2025
Empowering local authorities: An overview of the Bus Services Bill
The Bus Services Bill empowers local authorities to choose the best bus operating model for their area, streamline franchising, and improve accessibility and safety. Chris Simms looks at key elements of the legislation.
Features
August 22, 2025
Excluded by definition: the narrow reading of “stepchild” and housing succession claims
The Court of Appeal recently rejected a woman’s appeal against a judge’s order for possession of a property she had been residing in with her mother’s partner before he died. Sarah Salmon and Olivia Davies explain why.
Aug 22, 2025
Consistency in disciplinary processes
A recent Court of Appeal case involving a city council is a reminder of how important it is for employers to ensure consistent disciplinary processes, writes Sharmin Chowdhury.
Aug 21, 2025
What the Epping Forest injunction case means for local authorities across England
Jack Barber looks at the lessons from Epping Forest District Council’s successful application for an interim injunction against the accommodation of asylum seekers in a local hotel.
Aug 21, 2025
Exclusions – lessons from the last academic year
Richard Freeth reviews the latest court rulings on school exclusions and provides a checklist identifying some key issues that will support decision-making.
Aug 21, 2025
New statutory guidance on RSHE
The Department for Education has issued new statutory guidance for schools on relationships, sex and health education. Veryan Exelby, Sophia Coles and Alex Evans set out the key points.
Aug 21, 2025
Tracking down the abducted ‘P’
Alex Ruck Keene KC (Hon) examines a recent ruling that set out a menu of options for Court of Protection practitioners when faced with the abduction of ‘P’.
Aug 21, 2025
What does the law say about hair strand testing?
For years, companies providing hair strand testing (HST) for child proceedings have been largely self-regulating. Providers have often chosen what is quickest and cheapest for them, not necessarily what is best for the courts and families.
Webinars
Planning Case Law Update
Sarah Sutherland and colleagues discuss recent case law in the field of planning law and round off Burges Salmon's 2022 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Webinar series.
Webinars
Local Authority Insight Series: Making Highways Fit for the Future
Join Ruth Stockley, barrister at Kings Chambers, and Chris Burgess of Norfolk County Council for an in-depth discussion that addresses the legal issues and obstacles involved with adapting highways for a low carbon future and the legal tools available to local authorities.
SPONSORED
Unlocking legal talent
Jonathan Bourne of Damar Training sets out why in-house council teams and law firms should embrace apprenticeships.
How hair strand testing should be instructed for family court proceedings
For years, FTS, a drug, alcohol and DNA lab in Yorkshire, has been advocating for an end to the use of Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) cut-off levels in the family courts, writes Paul Hackett (Sponsored Editorial)
Webinars
Deputyship Surgery: Court of Protection Updates & Practical Guidance
Dave Lockwood, of Finders Development Hub, hosts a webinar addressing common questions from Social Care practitioners, exploring recent CoP developments.
More features
Jul 24, 2025
Cunliffe in-depth: What the Cunliffe Report means and what comes next
Steve Gummer and Allan Owen delve into the recently published Cunliffe Report, and explain what it means for the water sector.
Jul 17, 2025
Personal circumstances, public safety, and the planning balance
Arevik Jackson provides some reflections on recent co-joined enforcement appeals and the grant of temporary planning permissions.
Jul 03, 2025
High Court Dismisses Challenge to New Super Prison
The High Court has refused permission to challenge the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for so called 'super prison' on Green Belt land near HMP Garth and HMP Wymott in Lancashire.
Jul 01, 2025
Deploying ‘ADR’ in Planning & Compensation contexts
John Pugh-Smith looks at how these aspects of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can now be made to work and at different stages of a dispute. Put another way, the “A” in ADR is not just “alternative” but also “adaptable”, “agile” and “accessible”.
Jun 27, 2025
Local authority enforcement powers and domestic beekeeping
Dan Jacklin provides a detailed analysis of the enforcement powers available to local authorities in relation to domestic beekeeping.
Jun 20, 2025
Negotiating s106 agreements
Why does negotiating section 106 agreements have to be such a drag? Simon Ricketts looks at the key issues.
Jun 11, 2025
Planning reform to accelerate housing delivery - at what cost?
Chrisa Tsompani examines how the Government’s sweeping planning reforms could reshape every layer of the building sector – from local authorities to small-medium builders, and considers the critical implications for environmental policies.
Jun 11, 2025
All change: The implications of planning reform upon regeneration projects
There is a considerable amount of legislative and policy change taking place in town and country planning currently. Richard Barlow and Tansy Greer look at some of the key changes which are likely to impact regeneration projects.
Jun 11, 2025
Appropriate assessments and planning committee meetings
Annabel Graham Paul sets out the wider implications of a recent Court of Appeal decision on appropriate assessments in a case involving a national park authority.
Jun 11, 2025
Clarity on solar ‘overplanting’
The High Court recently considered the role of a National Policy Statement in an ‘overplanted’ solar farm development with capacity under 50MW. Katherine Evans examines the ruling.
More features
Apr 04, 2025
Take it to the bridge
The High Court recently dismissed a wide-ranging judicial review challenge to the proposed Oxpens Bridge in Oxford. Meyric Lewis KC explains why.
Mar 07, 2025
Empowering local authorities: An overview of the Bus Services Bill
The Bus Services Bill empowers local authorities to choose the best bus operating model for their area, streamline franchising, and improve accessibility and safety. Chris Simms looks at key elements of the legislation.
Feb 07, 2025
Stanthorne Hall ‘Great Expectations’ judicial review dismissed
The High Court has dismissed a judicial review of the Department for Transport’s refusal to lease a historic property, which had been acquired as part of the land assembly relating to HS2. Charles Streeten and Armin Solimani explain why.
Jan 15, 2025
Removal of neighbourhood traffic schemes
A High Court judge has dismissed a judicial review claim against the decision of Tower Hamlets to remove so-called ‘Liveable Streets’. Saira Kabir Sheikh KC and Daisy Noble explain why.
Jan 10, 2025
Applications for a liability order enforcing CIL
Christopher Cant looks at the procedure for enforcing outstanding Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) liabilities.
Dec 05, 2024
Bus franchising reform – on the road to change?
Beth Edwards and Shyann Sheehy explore the possible introduction of bus franchising.
Nov 29, 2024
Defending cycling pothole claims
A recent High Court ruling could help with the defence of cycling pothole claims, writes John Goodman.
Nov 29, 2024
Highway to Homes
Thomas Horner looks at the role of infrastructure in housing development.
Aug 02, 2024
Obstruction of the highway
When is obstruction of the highway lawful? Rachel Baker explains.
May 15, 2024
Depedestrianisation and EIA development
Daniel Stedman Jones and Christopher Moss analyse a successful judicial review challenge to a major transport scheme in Bradford.
More Features
August 21, 2025
Document experts in age assessment disputes: Ask the court’s permission, not its forgiveness
Miya Watson examines a recent judicial review case where the court was tasked with evaluating the legitimacy of Kent County Council's age assessment, which had significant implications for the claimant's treatment under the Children Act 1989.
Aug 18, 2025
Navigating the Provider Selection Regime (Wales) Regulations 2025
Nicola Cullen explores the implementation and implications of the Provider Selection Regime (Wales) Regulations 2025, offering insights into its scope, processes, and practical considerations for contracting authorities.
Aug 15, 2025
Ethics and Integrity Commission: a new chapter in public standards oversight
A new chapter in public standards oversight has begun with the Government’s announcement of the Ethics and Integrity Commission, replacing the long-standing Committee on Standards in Public Life, writes Melanie Carter.
Aug 15, 2025
Allocation of temporary accommodation, transfer lists and discrimination
Genevieve Screeche-Powell reports on how a London borough successfully resisted an appeal about the local authority’s use of a database of homeless applicants awaiting transfer to alternative temporary accommodation.
Aug 14, 2025
Instruction of experts in housing disrepair claims
A recent decision of the Designated Civil Judge for Bristol has offered valuable guidance to social landlords and a salutary warning to those acting for tenants in housing conditions claims, writes David Harry of Hugh James' Dispute Resolution Team.
Aug 14, 2025
From Wikimedia to the wider web: What the High Court’s judgment means for the Online Safety Act 2023
George McLellan, Christopher Watkins and Oliver Dickie provide an update on the recent High Court judgment regarding Wikimedia's challenge of the Online Safety Act, and what the decision means for the public.
Aug 14, 2025
The Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025 – eliminating profit from the care of looked after children
What does the eliminating profit agenda of the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025 mean? Eve Piffaretti and Kaya Williams explain.
August 13, 2025
Inability to speak at a planning committee meeting and prejudice
The Court of Appeal recently upheld a grant of planning permission for major development in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Isabella Tafur explains why.
Aug 13, 2025
Changes to the subsidy control statutory guidance August 2025
Angelica Hymers sets out what public authorities need to know from changes to the subsidy control statutory guidance.
Aug 13, 2025
A new planning bill for Wales: What will this mean?
Bill Cordingley and Ben Standing look at the key elements of the draft Planning (Wales) Bill.
Aug 13, 2025
The landfill tax and local authorities
The UK landfill tax consultation unveiled major potential reforms: how will this impact local authorities? Paul Collins of Ashfords explains.
Aug 12, 2025
REMA Update: New direction for electricity market reform
Bridget Newman provides insight into the future of the electricity market under the influence of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) Programme.
Aug 12, 2025
FOI is a collateral attack on enforcement
Roderick Morton examines the outcome of a recent First-tier Tribunal case where a planning consultant sought information about a local authority’s handling of planning enforcement.
Aug 08, 2025
The Legal Department of the Future and the Monitoring Officer
Paul Feild offers some comments on the findings of Local Government Lawyer’s Legal Department of the Feature report.
Aug 08, 2025
It was Darkest Before The Dawn
Philip Kolvin KC explains how the Night Time Industry’s Manifesto Darkest Before the Dawn provided the inspiration for the Licensing Taskforce’s recent report.
Aug 08, 2025
In ‘n’ Out – insourcing vs outsourcing
With the launch of the recent Cabinet Office consultation on further reforms to public procurement and the proposal for a public interest test to inform sourcing decisions, Eleanor McClelland considers key issues for contracting authorities when deciding whether to insource or outsource.
Aug 08, 2025
Town and village greens: landowner statements and regulatory failures by the CRA
Rowena Meager reports on a recent Commons Registration Authority decision where the effectiveness of a landowner statement was in dispute.
Aug 07, 2025
Supreme Court clarifies cumulative approach to qualified exemptions under FOIA
Charlotte Smith assesses the likely impact of a recent Supreme Court ruling on the aggregation of public interest arguments when applying exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Aug 07, 2025
Ofgem’s energy system cost allocation and recovery review – Proposed reforms and impact assessment
Kamran Zaheer brings readers up to date with the latest proposed reforms to the sharing out of Britain's energy costs.
Aug 06, 2025
New requirements for Residential PEEPS (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans)
The Government has issued regulations in relation to Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (‘Residential PEEPs’). Louise Mansfield and Elspeth Lee set out the key points.
Aug 06, 2025
Beware helpful judges (or Timeo judices et dona ferentes)
Michael Singleton looks at the lessons from a successful appeal by tenants of a housing association against a suspended committal order arising from findings of contempt of court.
Aug 06, 2025
The path ahead for social housing
Kristian Scholfield assesses the latest regulatory developments that could impact the social housing sector.
Aug 06, 2025
Re-evaluating Birmingham v Lee
Karamjit Singh highlights the importance of understanding the continued relevance of the 2008 Court of Appeal ruling in Birmingham v Lee to housing disrepair litigation.
Aug 06, 2025
Reforming the Right to Buy
Jabir Dar looks at the latest developments when it comes to reforming the Right to Buy.
Aug 01, 2025
The power of local authorities to set local energy efficiency standards
The Court of Appeal has given judgment on local energy efficiency standards and a key Environment Act duty. Estelle Dehon KC and Rowan Clapp analyse the ruling.
Aug 01, 2025
Preparation and conduct of public law children proceedings
Adrian Gordon sets out seven aspects to consider when it comes to public law children proceedings.
Aug 01, 2025
The Office for Environmental Protection and local authorities
What are the recommendations of the OEP’s report Environmental Inspections in England (July 2025) and should local authorities feel the heat? Gordon Wignall looks at the implications for councils.
Aug 01, 2025
Flood risk and emerging Local Plans
Paul Cairnes KC and Jessica Allen analyse a significant decision by a planning inspector on flood risk and emerging Local Plans at Reg.19 stage.
Aug 01, 2025
Disordered eating and the gaps between services – the consequences for the Court of Protection
Alex Ruck Keene KC (Hon) looks at a judgment about case management in a very difficult case involving a 17 year old with profoundly disordered eating.
Aug 01, 2025
Mental health tribunals and 11(7) representatives
Peter Edwards looks at the implications for 11(7) representatives and Accredited Legal Representatives of a recent Upper Tribunal ruling.
Aug 01, 2025
The Housing Ombudsman on ASB
Harry Browne sets out some key takeaways from the Housing Ombudsman's recent report on anti-social behaviour.
Jul 30, 2025
The role of substitutes
Geoff Wild looks at the practice of local authorities nominating substitutes when a member is unable to take their place on a committee.
Jul 30, 2025
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: key considerations
Gareth Oldale and Georgia Philippou look at how local government can prepare for the upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.
Jul 30, 2025
The Pensions Scheme Bill and the LGPS
Kate Beech and Mary Mundy reflect on the changes in the new Pensions Scheme Bill for the Local Government Pension Scheme (“LGPS”).
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Events
Executive Programme in Public Procurement Law and Policy - University of Nottingham 
Business and Property Masterclass #5: Interim Relief – Acting urgently and getting it right - Cornerstone Barristers
10-09-2025 11:00 am
Online (live)
Net Zero Summit - Sharpe Pritchard 
Property Law Roadshow 2025 - Bristol - St John's Chambers 
CUBAS Comprehensive Training & Licencing (Manchester), September 2025
Business and Property Masterclass #6: Rights of Light and Restrictive Covenants - Cornerstone Barristers
23-09-2025
Online (live)
AI in the Public Sector Conference - Westminster Insight 
Activism in the Workplace - 42BR Barristers Employment Law Annual Lecture 
DoLS Authoriser Training - LPS Law 
Property Law Roadshow 2025 - Cardiff - St John's Chambers 
Institutional landlord series: Possession – High Court Enforcement - 5 Pump Court
22-10-2025 4:00 pm
Online (live)
Institutional landlord series: Costs Recovery and Legally Aided Parties - 5 Pump Court
05-11-2025 4:00 pm
Online (live)
Annual Fraud Conference 2025 - Oxford Investigation Service 
HMPL Building Blocks: Tenancy Management – Assignment, Mutual Exchange and Succession - Devonshires
12-03-2026
Online (live)
Unpicking the Procurement Act Episode 2: Exclusion and Debarment - 39 Essex Chambers
On Demand
Online (pre-recorded)
Ivy Legal - Certificate in Planning Enforcement
Unpicking the Procurement Act Episode 1: Overview and New Procedures - 39 Essex Chambers
On Demand
Online (pre-recorded)
Unpicking the Procurement Act Episode 3: Contract Modification - 39 Essex Chambers
On Demand
Online (pre-recorded)
Unpicking the Procurement Act Episode 4: Challenges and Remedies - 39 Essex Chambers
On Demand
Online (pre-recorded)