A Dorset law firm has won a High Court victory to overturn a local authority planning decision.

Ellis Jones Solicitors claimed the success in a Judicial Review – Spedding v Wiltshire Council – centred on a former poultry farm’s change of use for commercial storage at Landford, near Salisbury.

The law firm acted on behalf of nearby resident Robert Spedding after the local authority decided that the change was allowed as ‘permitted development’ without the need for prior planning approval.

High Court judge The Hon Mr Justice Fraser ruled in favour of Ellis Jones’ client and made an order quashing the decision of the council alongside a declaration that the proposed change of use could not proceed. He also made an order requiring the council to pay costs.

Ellis Jones partner Lauren Day and solicitor Conor Maher of Ellis Jones’ dispute resolution team led on the case.

Lauren said: “Judicial reviews can be drawn out and costly affairs so we are incredibly pleased to have reached this successful resolution for our client.

“It is a vindication of his and others in the community’s objections and concerns about the change of use at this property.

“It demonstrates the importance of local authorities understanding, and giving due consideration to, the fundamental basis of any proposal for change of use where they are being asked to consider prior approval.

“This case will reverberate around local authority planning teams nationwide and resonate with many local residents who find themselves opposed to certain forms of development.”

Ellis Jones instructed barristers Landmark Chamber to represent its client in court.

The case – R (on application of Spedding) v Wiltshire Council (2022) EWHC 34 (admin) was heard on January 14 2022 before judgement was handed down on February 18.

Ellis Jones – with six offices across Dorset, Hampshire and London – has more than 170 staff including 21 partners.

Visit https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/news/ellis-jones-helps-client-secure-high-court-victory-over-council-in-planning-review/ for more details.