Roads & Transporatation
In recent years we have advised on a range of high profile, contentious transport projects. We understand the political sensitivities as well as the commercial realities. We know how to lead technical teams through the authorisation process. We understand the delivery imperative that underlies all transport projects. We are proud of our track record for delivering on programme and within budget - whatever the scale of project.
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Planning Strategy and Advice
The planning system is under radical review. We relish the changes because it is not just about knowing the law - it is about knowing how best to apply it to benefit the project. Ann Faulds has been consistently rated for her advice on planning strategy. Ann has taken steps to ensure that her multi-disciplinary team are ready to provide comprehensive, strategic advice on how to negotiate the new authorisation process successfully. You would expect nothing less from a planning strategist.
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Compulsory Purchase
This is a complex area of law, which is becoming increasingly important in practice. The growing number of major infrastructure projects has resulted in an increase in the use of compulsory purchase powers. We have the skills and experience to advise clients on either side of the transaction.
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Planning and Infrastructure Agreements
This is another area of growing importance. Developers face demands on many fronts as local authorities do their best to achieve equitable solutions in the wider interests of the community. Quite apart from the legal and policy considerations and political issues to be managed. These agreements can be so much more than just another contract. We have considerable practical experience in this area.
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Public Engagement
The new planning era will be characterised by public consultation and participation. Developers will have to invest time in the early stages of a project to consult the public. We have good practical experience in this type of consultation in relation to transport projects. We will bring that experience to the new regime. We have a multi-disciplinary team with the necessary legal, planning and communication skills to advise on public engagement in the planning process. Our team is unique. Our product will add value to your process.
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Public Scrutiny
The role of public scrutiny of major projects is also under review. We are entering a new era which will require a sound understanding of not only the traditional public inquiry but also public hearings and the parliamentary process. We have extensive experience in traditional public inquiries and we recently successfully managed the Edinburgh Tram Bills through the parliamentary process. Those were the most complex Bills approved by the Scottish Parliament. Of course, the emerging Transport and Works legislation will further develop the public scurtiny process. We also have experience of public hearings in relation to traffic matters. This type of hearing based on inquisitorial procedure will increasingly become the norm in the future.
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Public Policy
We understand the role and effect of public policy. Ann Faulds and other members of the team frequently advise on policy formulation. Any major player in the development and infrastructure industry must monitor emerging policy and provide effective, credible input at the right time. We have policy drafting experience acting for local authorities. We understand the sensitivities, which come as second nature to our team.
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Development Management
Our multi-disciplinary team will deliver a comprehensive legal and planning service on the wide range of issues affecting development management, including applications, advice on conditions and related agreements, enforcement issues, appeals, Certificates of Lawful Use and monitoring of applications that might impact on your project. Many of our clients find this one stop approach of benefit.
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Judicial Review
Whatever happens to the planning system, local authorities will always carry the risk of judicial review or statutory appeal. Ann Faulds has extensive experience in these matters. We can advise on risk management to avoid a successful reveiw as well as advising on how to challenge a public sector decision. We do not resort to Freedom of Information requests lightly. We are conscious of the cost to the public purse and would only advise a private client to pursue if necessary. We understand the role of European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the development decision process.
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