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Sarah is an Associate in Planning and Environment. She is also an accredited member of the Royal Town Planning Institute as a Chartered Town Planner. Prior to obtaining her Law degree from Edinburgh University, she graduated with an Honours degree in Environmental Planning from the Business School at Strathclyde University. During her studies, she spent time researching the use of planning agreements and planning gain within local authorities. She is one of two practising solicitors in Scotland to hold both qualifications.
Sarah provides Planning law advice to developers and landowners on all aspects of new development and land use planning including advising on and preparing planning, listed building and similar applications; environmental impact and transport assessments; Section 75 and other agreements; appeals, judicial review and inquiries; and advising on development plans and enforcement action from local authorities. She also specialises in Environmental law and advises private and commercial clients in relation to habitat conservation; water pollution; contaminated land; waste management and recycling. She has particular experience defending clients facing criminal prosecution reported by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Sarah was a member of the team which prepared the first railway scheme to be considered and approved by the Scottish Parliament as a Private Bill. She was involved in the preparation for each stage of the Parliamentary Inquiry - which also undertook a large Environmental Impact Assessment. She has experience of working with Promoters and consultants on large infrastructure projects proceeding by way of Private Bill. This includes preparing technical written evidence for submission to Parliament; witness preparation for Promoter witnesses; and the management of objections to Private Bills including objections from the general public and from public bodies.
Sarah often writes for the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland on issues of Planning and Environmental law and was part of the team commissioned to undertake and review the legislative framework for planning fees, which was part of the Scottish Executive's review of the planning system. She is a member of the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association.
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