Heritage & Conservation Issues

At Wilkes, our planning law solicitors excel in handling matters concerning Heritage and Conservation Issues, as well as issues related to the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, including:

• Listed Building and Conservation Areas: Our planning team offers guidance on legal protections for listed buildings and conservation areas under the Planning and Heritage related laws, such as representing a client in a legal challenge against a local authority’s refusal to grant listed building consent for a proposed alteration.
• Heritage Issues: We help to ensure that development projects respect and safeguard the historical and architectural significance of heritage assets. For example, assisting developers in obtaining approval for new constructions or alterations within a conservation area, ensuring that proposals are aligned with the historic context and sensitivity. We often work with specialist consultants on these matters.
• Public Rights of Way: We provide guidance on the legal framework governing public rights of way, including the Highways Act 1980, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and local authority policies, ensuring public rights of way are properly considered in the context of development and land use, striking a balance between the needs of developers, landowners, and the public.
• Town and Village Greens: We advise the legal framework governing town and village greens, including the Commons Act 2006 and relevant case law, as well as the implications of town and village green status on land use and development potential.