Planning & Environmental

Strategic legal advice for sustainable development and business growth.

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The UK planning system and environmental law is evolving and growing in complexity with planning and environmental issues becoming increasingly important considerations for businesses, developers, investors and landowners. Evolving regulation, environmental responsibilities and the growing emphasis on sustainable development mean that organisations and businesses require legal advisers who understand both the technical framework and the commercial realities of delivering successful projects.

At Acuity Law, our specialist planning and environmental lawyers combine deep expertise with a practical, commercial approach to help you navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence.

Our highly experienced national team has a proven track record across a full range of contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental law matters. Whether you’re dealing with a complex planning application, responding to regulatory scrutiny or managing the environmental aspects of a major transaction, we bring the knowledge and the commercial understanding to ensure projects move forward successfully.

Our team provides strategic legal advice across England and Wales, combining in-depth knowledge of the distinct legislative frameworks and planning systems operating in each jurisdiction. Understanding these important differences enables us to deliver tailored, commercially focused solutions, minimise regulatory risks, and navigate complex planning and environmental issues. Whether advising developers, landowners, investors, or public bodies, our cross-jurisdictional expertise ensures efficient, practical guidance that supports successful project delivery.

As an innovative law firm, we understand that legal advice should do more than identify risks. It should create opportunities, facilitate progress and provide clarity in complex situations. The strength and depth of our team means our clients benefit from a genuinely joined-up approach to planning and environmental matters. We work closely with our corporate, real estate and regulatory teams to support major infrastructure, regeneration and housing projects across the UK.

Our Specialist Planning & Environmental Legal Services

We advise on the full range of planning and environmental law matters, working closely with our clients to manage risk, meet your obligations and ensure a successful outcome. Our services include:

Securing planning consent is often a critical milestone in the success of a project. We advise developers, investors, landowners and businesses on planning applications relating to residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. Our team provides strategic guidance throughout the planning process, helping clients navigate regulatory requirements and engage effectively with planning authorities and stakeholders. We identify potential issues early and develop practical solutions that minimise delays and support project delivery. By combining planning expertise with commercial awareness, we help clients maximise opportunities and progress developments with greater certainty and confidence.

Work Highlights

Our planning and environmental lawyers have advised on some of the most significant development and infrastructure projects across the UK. Here is a selection of our recent work.

Private Rented Sector Development
We advised on all planning and environmental aspects of the site development of an innovative private rented sector business, focusing on the acquisition and subsequent letting of newly built housing across South Wales and the Southwest of England.
Boatfolk Marinas Limited
We advised Boatfolk Marinas Limited on planning applications for marinas and use of boats, carrying out due diligence on planning conditions and Section 106 agreements.
Quinbrook / Private Energy Partners
We advised Quinbrook and Private Energy Partners on the planning history, conditions and requirements necessary to locate a development on the former Uskmouth coal-fired power station site.
Residential Development
We advised a limited company on the planning permissions required to carry out residential developments across the UK, including satisfaction of planning conditions, drafting and reviewing planning agreements under Section 106 and Section 278/38, and advice on CIL, SUDS and affordable housing obligations.
Central Quay, Cardiff
We advised a longstanding developer client on all planning aspects of the development of the former Brains Brewery site in Cardiff, known as Central Quay, including handling the necessary enabling infrastructure works with another developer to deliver residential units on the site.
The Mill, Cardiff
We advised a Building Society on all planning and environmental aspects of its involvement in funding the Mill development project in Cardiff, a £100 million residential-led urban regeneration project on the site of a former paper mill. This included ongoing planning trackers, satisfaction of planning conditions and affordable housing obligations, completion of sectional agreements and reviewing and agreeing Section 106 agreements.
Gleeson Developments Limited
We secured a successful application to the Secretary of State at Defra, opposed by the Open Spaces Society and Natural England, to carry out works on common land in Wimborne, Dorset, facilitating significant new housing development for Gleeson Developments Limited.
Leading Appeal Court Case
We were involved in a leading Appeal Court case confirming that the Secretary of State cannot call in a planning appeal after an appeal decision has been issued.

What Our Clients Say

The team provides commercially astute advice that takes into account wider issues such as tax liabilities and timescales.

The firm has comprehensive knowledge of land and property issues that transcend purely legal matters.

Meet the Team

Meet the wider team

Our planning and environmental lawyers are approachable, commercially minded and genuinely invested in the outcomes they achieve for your projects. Get in touch directly, we are always happy to talk through what you need.

Steve Morris

Senior Partner
Real Estate Team Cardiff
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Ben Honour

Senior Partner
Real Estate Team Cardiff
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Jennifer Butcher

Senior Partner
Dispute Resolution & Litigation Cardiff
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Jim Ryan

Consultant Partner
Planning & Environmental Team Bristol
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Sara Powell

Consultant Partner
Planning & Environmental Team Regulatory Team Cardiff
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Richard Voke

Consultant Partner
Regulatory & Environmental Team Bristol
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Awards & Credentials

The Planning & Environmental Team is ranked Tier 2 in the Legal 500

Legal 500

Steve is listed as Leading Partner for his work in the Legal 500 for their work in Planning & Environmental

Legal 500

Steve is ranked Band 2 by Chambers and Partners

Chambers and Partners

Steve is named in Insider Media's Property Power List 2022

Insider Media

Supporting Businesses Through Complex Regulatory Challenges

Our role extends beyond providing technical legal advice. We act as trusted advisers and strategic partners, supporting clients through every stage of the planning and environmental process.

We understand that planning and environmental considerations can have a significant impact on commercial decision-making, project delivery and long-term business performance. Delays, uncertainty and evolving regulation can create challenges that require more than legal analysis alone. They require advisers who understand the wider business context and can develop practical strategies that support commercial objectives.

That is why we invest time in getting to know our clients, their industries and the ambitions that drive them. Our approach is collaborative, responsive and commercially focused. We work closely with developers, investors, landowners, businesses and professional advisers to anticipate challenges, identify solutions and support informed decision-making.

Through strong partnerships built on trust, communication and a shared commitment to success, we provide legal advice that supports and protects our clients’ businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether progressing major developments, managing environmental responsibilities or resolving disputes, our focus remains on helping businesses succeed.

Our Expertise: We Also Advise On

Planning and environmental issues often intersect with other areas of business and commercial law. In addition to advising on planning and environmental matters, we also provide a comprehensive range of legal services. Some of these include:

Full list of services about Services
Employment & HR

A full range of employment and HR legal advice including TUPE advice, tribunal defence, HR documentation, management incentive arrangements and employment considerations on deals.

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Real Estate

Property due diligence, acquisition and disposal support for transactions with a real estate element.

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Real Estate Finance

Advising both lenders and borrowers on a wide range of real estate backed debt transactions, covering various asset classes and debt sizes.

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Construction

We advise on all forms of infrastructure related projects including leisure and office facilities, urban regeneration, renewable energy, civil infrastructure, social housing, private developments, public projects, manufacturing, healthcare and individual projects.

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Property Litigation

Our property litigation team handles a wide range of real estate disputes for landlords, tenants, buyers, sellers, property investors, developers, social housing providers and high-net-worth individuals.

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Need a law firm on a retainer with preferable rates?

Our Acuity Counsel Service provides you with your own dedicated team, with the ability to manage budget and control costs.

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Latest Insights from Our Planning & Environmental Law Team.

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Ready to talk?

Steve Morris

Steve Morris

Senior Partner

+44 (0)7717 681 737 [email protected]
Ben Honour

Ben Honour

Senior Partner

+44 (0)7866 031 612 [email protected] Connect on LinkedIn