Cost: Free

Following on from the introduction to elements of local plans webinar, the Cornerstone planning team will host a series of webinars drilling down into many of the key elements of the local planning process.

The first one of the series will be on SEA/SA and Spatial Strategies. 

Sustainability appraisal, strategic environmental assessment and Habitats Regulations assessment are fundamental to the production of a robust spatial strategy and, ultimately, a sound Local Plan. They are often also the target of legal challenges to Local Plans. Failures in the process can be fatal, and can give rise to lengthy and costly litigation.

This webinar will provide an overview of the processes, and discuss some of the key practical considerations, informed by recent cases including Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum v Leeds City Council [2020] EWHC 1461 and Compton PC v Guildford BC [2019] EWHC 3242 (in which James and Rob successfully resisted a challenge to Guildford's new local plan).

The speakers will also provide a legal update on Habitats Regulations assessment, and discuss some of the pitfalls, as well as how to avoid them.