Approach

When working on projects from inception - all of our advice, decision making and delivery is dedicated to the success for your scheme and that includes ensuring all elements are robustly constructed in order to withstand scrutiny and challenge. Even proposals that tick every box and meet every guideline can be subject to dispute and contention that may require examination within a formal setting. All of the work we carry out on your behalf we can defend in person at any stage of the planning process including committee meetings and Public Inquiry. Our ecologists have successful track records in presenting evidence at inquiry in support of our work for a variety of projects including residential development and transport schemes requiring TGW consent.

We can also provide support for a scheme we may not have worked on directly– in this instance we would make an initial appraisal of the case, assessing existing ecology information and the reasons for refusal to determine if there is a robust case to argue or not. This support for third party cases on can be on behalf of either the defendant or the appellant, in the case of the former our services can include a robust examination of third party ecological data and any mitigation measures.

Components

Our expert witness services for public inquiry include -

An appraisal of the case for refusal of consent;
Consultation and liaison with counsel;
Active participation in case conferences;
Drafting statement of case and proof of evidence;
Providing rebuttals when required;
Presentation of POE under cross examination;
Drafting of appropriate planning conditions.

If your scheme is heading to inquiry and you require independent advice and support, contact us now for an informal chat or an initial consultation.