PINS/NPF PUBLICATION - MEDIATION IN PLANNING

The report by Leonora Rozee OBE and Kay Powell entitled "Mediation in Planning" has now been published. The report was commissioned by the National Planning Forum and the Planning Inspectorate in June 2009 as a response to a recommendation in the Killian‐Pretty report urging investigation of the use of alternative dispute resolution at all stages in the planning process. A copy of the report can be seen by clicking here.

The report describes how mediation can provide a cost effective way of resolving disputes. It investigates 5 ‘live' case studies involving enforcement, an Area Action Plan and a major development, and draws upon the results of completed mediations as well as related work, expert interviews and a specially commissioned survey to test opinion, international experience, and relevant literature.

The report concludes that mediation can provide an effective tool to tackle a wide range of planning issues. It recommends that mediation should be strongly encouraged by Government by providing a policy framework, creating capacity to allow its benefits to be realised and establishing an appropriate regime of incentives and penalties to support the delivery of a new approach to planning.

Mediation will not replace the appeal system and there will always be areas where mediation will not be appropriate, but mediation has genuine benefits that need to be considered by all involved in the planning process including lawyers, planning officers and consultants.

Craig Howell Williams QC represented the Planning and Environment Bar Association on the Steering Group set up to assist in the process leading to the report. Robin Purchas QC, Simon Mehigan QC, Craig Howell Williams QC, Richard Glover QC and Jeremy Phillips of Chambers are all CEDR Accredited Mediators.

Francis Taylor Building has facilities that are very suitable for mediation. Wi-fi is available and catering and refreshments as required. 

To find out more about our Mediation Group and mediation facilities in Chambers visit the FTB web-site. Or if you have any questions as to mediation or Mediators in Chambers please contact Paul Coveney our Senior Clerk.