Howes Percival advises on successful planning appeal for HB (South Caldecotte) Limited

Leading law firm Howes Percival has advised HB (South Caldecotte) Limited on its successful planning appeal which grants the developer outline planning permission for a 140-acre strategic employment site, south of Milton Keynes.

Howes Percival's planning team

The site, near Caldecotte, will be development for warehouse and distribution with some offices and general industrial units and associated facilities and infrastructure. Once completed, the site should deliver around 2,500 jobs.

HB (South Caldecotte) Limited, is part of property development and investment company Hampton Brook. The planning appeal was held by virtual public inquiry with the appellant’s team based at Howes Percival’s Northampton office. The scheme was originally refused by Milton Keynes Council due to alleged impacts on archaeology and biodiversity, and issues relating to impacts on highways and infrastructure. Those concerns were addressed pursuant to the appeal to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State acting via the appointed planning inspector.

Howes Percival, led by planning and development law Partner, Chris May, acted on behalf of HB (South Caldecotte) Limited, instructing Paul Tucker of Queen’s Counsel and preparing the associated planning agreement. John Herd, an expert on commercial property and developer matters, acted on the associated property transaction.

Commenting on the successful appeal, Chris May said, 

“HB (South Caldecotte) Limited’s scheme is a key strategic site for delivering economic growth and jobs within Milton Keynes and the surrounding area - we’re delighted that the project now has the green light to go-ahead and to bring much needed economic investment to the area.

“Planning appeals are a large part of our work. Coronavirus restrictions, particularly the requirement for social distancing has had a big impact on planning procedures, especially appeals. Holding the public inquiry at our offices illustrates how we can use technology to ensure planning appeals are able to continue in an effective and robust manner.”

The 2021 edition of The Legal 500, the authoritative guide to the UK’s leading law firms, awarded Howes Percival the highest possible ranking (Tier 1) for 11 specialisms including Commercial Property; Property litigation and Environment & Planning.

For more information on Howes Percival’s planning services, visit its website here.



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