The Planning and Environment Bar Association’s 3rd National Conference takes place at a time of uncertainty, with many details of the legislative reforms and policy positions of the new Coalition Government still unknown.  Our focus therefore is to examine some of the key fundamentals of the legal landscape which will continue to provide the context for making both contentious and routine environmental decisions.

Have we now assimilated European law into our system of planning and environmental control? How best should practitioners navigate our domestic structures for resolving environmental disputes? Is there too much or too little access to environmental justice? Why is enforcing planning control still so complicated? What are the key cases decided in recent months and why are they important?

These legal issues should concern not simply planning and environmental lawyers but also anyone actively engaged in the development process, whether as promoter, regulator, or opponent of projects.

Last year, the Planning and Environment Bar Association’s conference saw over 160 practitioners attend what has been credited as a ‘must attend’ event, attracting planners, solicitors, surveyors and barristers in high numbers. 

The conference provides delegates with the opportunity to meet with, listen to and benefit from thought provoking, yet practical papers on important matters affecting practice.  In addition, with the benefit of excellent networking opportunities in a first class venue, this conference will satisfy your CPD requirements at a very affordable price!  

Programme 

Welcome and Introduction by Conference Chairman

Timothy Corner QC, Chairman of PEBA, 4-5 Gray's Inn Square
       
Courts and Planning: Fly or Ointment?

The Hon Mr Justice Ouseley

SEA/EIA/AA: A Route Map through the Labyrinth

Robert McCracken QC, Francis Taylor Building

Enforcement

• Discontinuance orders
• Material considerations
• Effective enforcement
• The Local Planning Authority’s discretion
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• The Habitats Directive
• Direct Action
• Discontinuance orders
• New means of enforcement
• The Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008
• Resisting Enforcement Action

Neil Cameron QC, Landmark Chambers

The New Tribunals System: Opportunities for Environment and Property Jurisdictions

• The new tribunals system and opportunities for further development
• Land, valuation, environment and property jurisdictions in the Upper Tribunal and First-tier Tribunal

George Barlett QC, President, Land's Tribunal

Case Law Update

John Litton QC
 
The Big Debate - Access to Environmental Justice

John Steel QC, 4-5 Gray's Inn Square

Will review with the panel some of the key issues including funding and costs, standing, time lmits and disclosure.

The Panel

Richard Buxton, Partner, Richard Buxton Environmental & Public Law

Philip Kolvin QC, 2-3 Gray's Inn Square

Simon Ricketts, Partner, S J Berwin LLP

Paul Tucker QC, Kings Chambers