The environmental liabilities associated with the development of land can have a critical effect on the financial viability of a development. Before acquiring a site for development or purchasing a business, environmental due diligence is essential.
For instance what liability there may be for clean-up of any contaminated land will influence a decision whether or not to pursue a development opportunity or to acquire a business.
Should a decision be made to apply for planning permission for a development, the contents of any Environmental Statement which is required need to be carefully reviewed and will have a significant bearing on what costs may be incurred. Screening and Scoping Applications will also have to be submitted to the Local Authority and their preparation significantly affects what further environmental information a Local Authority might need before considering a planning application.
Should an offence be alleged by the Environment Agency under Section 85 of the Water Resources Act of causing or knowingly permitting any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter to enter any controlled waters we will defend the prosecution and deal with any further offence under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007 for failure to comply with or contravention of an Environmental Permit condition.
These are just a number of examples of where we can help you.
We are one of the very few practices in the South West which has a dedicated Environment Team. Our practice is multi-disciplinary and involves legal experts in environment, waste management, planning, litigation, property and criminal law.
The South West of the UK is an area rich in minerals, where there are varied activities ranging from agriculture and fishing to light industry and tourism. Through its wide ranging client base and unrivalled expertise in connection with mineral working in the South West, the Environment Team has a thorough knowledge and practical experience of all kinds of environmental problems encountered by clients.
