The firm

Peyto Law is a legal practice specialising in planning law.

We are committed to providing our clients with timely, reliable and practical independent legal advice in a professional but approachable manner. Our clients, whether private individuals, businesses or local authorities, instruct us because they want:

  • To take advantage of our Principal’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of planning and local government law, gained in over 18 years’ experience;
  • Their legal adviser to work with them, and any other professionals involved, in a collaborative way;
  • To know that all options will be explored and fully explained in plain English before agreeing to any course of action, including the costs and risk involved; and
  • To know that their legal adviser is fully committed to achieving their goal.

Peyto Law is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (No. 463236)

Please note that we do not hold any contracts with the Legal Services Commission which enable us to provide assistance through public funding arrangements (also known as legal aid). We also do not undertake work on a no win / no fee basis.

Planning Law

The Town and Country Planning regime exists to regulate the development and use of land in the public interest. The operational framework is set nationally in both law and policy and local planning authorities are required to follow this framework in their decision-making. An extensive body of legislation establishes the powers and duties and the procedures involved. The aim of the planning system is to help deliver sustainable development; making sure that provision is made for development taking full account of economic, social, environmental and resource considerations. Inevitably, this leads to local planning authorities having to balance a number of competing interests.

We advise on a range of planning matters generally including whether a proposal amounts to development, whether permitted development rights are applicable, the imposition of conditions on planning permission, whether a permission has been lawfully implemented, controls over demolition and controls over alterations to listed buildings. We also draft and negotiate planning obligations.

Where necessary, we can assist clients in using their statutory rights of appeal, bringing (or defending) judicial review proceedings and can provide representation in criminal proceedings.