Public Inquiry and full costs success for Turley Associates in Wales

Press release: 24 June 2011

National planning and urban design consultancy Turley Associates has secured an important Public Inquiry decision together with full costs on behalf of Welsh landowner Llay Hall Investments. The decision is topical in confirming that local opposition cannot be used as a barrier to development unless it is underpinned by planning evidence.

Turley Associates, acting for Llay Hall Investments, submitted the planning application for 50 new homes in Mold, Flintshire and, despite an officer recommendation for approval and four committee meetings, the application was turned down by members following opposition by a local community group.

The appeal was heard at a two day Public Inquiry, with the decision delivered in favour of Llay Hall Investments on 20 June. A full award of costs was also made. Turley Associates' planning director Richard Knight advised on planning throughout the process and appeared as an expert witness at the Public Inquiry, with Turley Associates' senior urban designer Stephen Taylor giving design evidence to the Inquiry.

Richard Knight said: "This is an important reminder that decisions based on local opposition and claimed adverse impacts need to be backed up by credible planning evidence. The approval will trigger the delivery of much needed family and affordable housing. We and the client are delighted with the decision."

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About Turley Associates
Turley Associates is the UK's leading independent planning and urban design consultancy. The company operates from 10 offices - London, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast - and has market leading expertise in planning, urban design, masterplanning, sustainability and heritage. The company has a strong reputation in the residential, retail, infrastructure, energy, health, education, sports and leisure, waste, minerals and mining and financial sectors.