Issues in relation to land use and its control bring together the areas of public law and commercial law in which Axiom specialise.

Probably the most common context in which this arises is in relation to town and country planning. It also arises, however, in relation to the areas of environmental law and assessments, minerals, housing, energy, telecommunications, listed buildings, water and drainage, contaminated land and roads and transport to name just some. In all these areas, increasing governmental activity in the form of primary legislation, statutory instruments, circulars and other guidance results in considerable complexity. As a result persons and organisations active in these fields - on whichever side - face additional burdens.

Planning related issues arise in many contexts. Apart from the most obvious in relation to preparation of development plans and development control decisions, it arises increasingly in the context of disputes in property transactions. While there has always been a focus on advice in relation to and representation at local plan and public local inquiries changes to the planning system and the other context in which planning issue may arise underline the importance of getting sound advice at the outset. When matters go awry there may be a need to consider challenge of planning related decisions in the courts.

Axiom Advocates have considerable expertise in all these areas and are able to provide advice on all aspects of development planning and management so that parties involved can proceed with confidence. Our members have acted for and appeared in the past for developers, objectors, local authorities, statutory consultees and the Government in relation to local plan inquires, public local inquiries, other statutory inquiries  and court cases concerning planning decisions.  Members of Axiom are well placed to use their experience and knowledge to address and analyse problems and issues encountered by clients and provide practical advice and effective representation.