Appeal and Enforcement

When heritage issues become contentious — whether at appeal, in court, or through enforcement — you need evidence that is robust, defensible, and grounded in expertise.

We are a confident voice in the appeal arena, able to deliver succinct and critical appeal documentation that stands up to scrutiny and cross-examination.

The threat of enforcement action can be a little unnerving. However, matters can often be resolved satisfactorily and expediently without the need for formal legal action to be taken. It’s important to work in consultation with the local planning authority to agree a resolution to regularise any unauthorised works.

Why choose Locus:

Evidence is meticulous and adheres to industry standards. We are expert at mediating and working on behalf of our clients in the appeal arena.

It’s important to address contentious heritage matters promptly, particularly issues of enforcement. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your case.

What we do

  • Review and understand the key issues with a case and explain these clearly to our clients

  • Act as Expert Witness in planning appeals and public inquiries

  • Input into statements and draft Proofs of Evidence on heritage matters

  • Advise on and resolve heritage aspects of enforcement cases

  • Mediate and support negotiations to resolve breaches of control

Projects

  • Billy Wilson. CC Licence

    Northampton Public Inquiry

    Alongside colleagues at Marrons, Adam acted as Expert Heritage Witness on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council in relation to proposed development of land north of Bedford Road for warehousing. The appeal was dismissed by the inspector, with the degree of harm to heritage assets a determining factor in the decision.

  • Isle of Axholme Appeal Hearing

    Outline application for planning permission for 23 houses on land in the rear garden plot of a residential house. Despite the planning officer’s recommendation for approval, the application was refused at Planning Committee. Working with DLP Planning, Locus acted as expert heritage witness to secure permission at an appeal hearing.

  • Woodthorpe Written Reps

    Locus provided specialist heritage input to support a brace of planning appeals at 23 and 63 Main Street, Woodthorpe. Working with Ridge & Partners alongside Mather Jamie, our written representations addressed local heritage considerations, helping to secure consent for two schemes of seven dwellings each. Both appeals were allowed in May 2024, demonstrating how targeted heritage advice can strengthen a planning case and deliver positive outcomes.

  • 23-29 Chesham Street by Stephen Richards, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

    Enforcement Case - West London

    Locus were approached by a property management company in west London to regularise a series of unauthorised works undertaken at a townhouse in Belgravia.

    Working in close consultation with the local authority, a short list of works were regularised through an application for listed building consent, requiring only minor remedial works to the interior. Enforcement action was averted, and the building now has a clean bill of health.