 |
 |
|
The primary objectives of the planning system are to promote sustainable economic development, encourage regeneration and to maintain and enhance the quality of the natural heritage and built environment. The planning system is increasingly being seen as a means of delivering social change. |
|
|
|
The Scottish Executive published a White Paper detailing its vision for reform of the planning system, and a draft Planning Reform Bill, in 2005. These will be the foundation stones for a mass of new planning legislation and guidance in the near future. This will be the biggest reform of the Scottish planning system since its creation after the Second World War.
Given this increasing complexity, and an inevitable period of uncertainty (both during and immediately following the overhaul of the planning system), down to earth strategic legal advice will be essential at the earliest stage of any property development project. We provide our clients with a proactive and practical approach, backed by a great depth of knowledge of the related legal issues.
We are rated as a market leader in Planning work by legal directories The Legal 500 and Chmabers' Guide to UK Law Firms. For example, The Legal 500's 2005 edition states that the firm "boasts a strong practice headed by Alastair McKie and Jim Drysdale." We have many years of experience of a full range of development and infrastructure projects, representing landowners, housebuilders, renewable energy companies and other commercial property developers. Members of our team are accredited specialists in Planning law and sit on the board of the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association.
We provide a full range of services in respect of planning, from negotiating planning agreements to representing clients in inquiries.
Uniquely we are also able to offer specialist expertise in parliamentary work in conjunction with our Parliamentary and Public Law Unit. It was on this basis that we were appointed as key legal adviser on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway Project, the Waverley Railway Project, the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link and the Glasgow Airport Rail Link, four of Scotland's largest infrastructure projects.
Clients who own property or operate in industry will also now routinely face environmental concerns. These are most likely to occur when planning new developments. We routinely advise on both the interrelationship between planning and environmental controls and on pure environmental matters.
Examples of our recent experience can be viewed by clicking on the various sub-headings to the right.
For more information contact Alastair McKie |
|
|
