Planning law is one of the most rapidly moving legal areas, with major structural changes to the planning system occurring in recent years. Despite attempts at simplification, it remains one of the most complex fields for both students and practitioners to navigate. In this continually evolving field, the fifteenth edition of A Practical Approach to Planning Law is an authoritative and reliable resource for all those working in this area, providing a comprehensive and systematic account of the applicable principles and practice. The text guides the reader through each stage of the planning process, from applications for planning permission through to appeals and litigation in the courts, in a clear and accessible style. The book is arranged through thematic chapters, which broadly follow the timeline of when issues may arise in the lifecycle of a development. These include considering whether planning permission is required; the formalities of making an application for permission; the necessary supporting material; the evaluation of an application; the legal effect of a planning permission; legal challenges to a permission and planning enforcement.
The latest edition considers all recent cases as well as important legislative and policy developments since the publication of the previous edition, particularly those arising out of the Levelling-up, Housing and Regeneration Act 2023 and Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023.
By:
Ashley Bowes (Landmark Chambers)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 15th Revised edition
Dimensions:
Height: 246mm,
Width: 171mm,
ISBN: 9780198955894
ISBN 10: 0198955898
Series: A Practical Approach
Pages: 624
Publication Date: 11 November 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
1: Historical Introduction 2: Planning Organization 3: The Evolution of Development Plans 4: Development Plans: Their Legal Significance After the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 5: Definition of Development 1: Operational Development 6: Definition of Development 2: Material Change of Use 7: The Need for Planning Permission 1: General Permitted Development Order; Local Development Orders 8: The Need for Planning Permission 2: Cases of Doubt 9: Applications for Planning Permission 1: Pre-Submission Requirements 10: Applications for Planning Permission 2: Procedure on Receipt of Applications by the Local Planning Authority 11: Determinations of Applications for Planning Permission 12: Environmental Impact Assessment 13: Strategic Environmental Assessment 14: Conditions 15: The Construction, Scope, Effect, and Life of a Planning Permission 16: Development by the Crown, Statutory Undertakers, and Local Authorities - Public Works Orders 17: Planning Agreements; Planning Obligations; and The Community Infrastructure Levy 18: Appeals; Statutory Review; Judicial Review; The Ombudsman 19: Human Rights 20: Enforcement of Planning Control 21: Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas 22: Ancient Monuments and Areas of Archaeological Importance 23: Minerals 24: The Control of Outdoor Advertisements 25: Trees, Hedgerows, and High Hedges 26: Conservation of Natural Habitats and Protected Species and Biodiversity 27: Remedies for Adverse Planning Decisions 28: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects 29: Town and Village Greens
Dr Ashley Bowes is a barrister specializing in planning law at Landmark Chambers and is the General Editor of the Journal of Planning & Environment Law. He is ranked as a leading practitioner in the field by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. Ashley has extensive experience acting for developers and planning authorities at planning inquiries and has acted for both claimants and defendants at all stages of planning litigation, including to the Supreme Court. As a member of the Attorney General's B Panel of Counsel, he also represents the UK Government in planning litigation in the courts.
