Sebastian A. Charles

Mr. Charles focuses on planning and environmental law.

Land Use Planning and Zoning
He has advised a wide range of clients in the energy, waste, manufacturing, health, education, leisure, retail, residential and commercial development sectors, on planning issues such as established uses, enforcement and a wide range of development proposals.

His work has included the drafting and negotiation of planning agreements relating to issues such as affordable housing, enabling development, highway improvements, public transport provision, green transport plans, provision of amenities and/or open space including commuted sums for their future maintenance, phasing of development and treatment of listed buildings. He has advised on many schemes involving environmental impact assessment. His contentious work includes enforcement matters, compulsory purchase and legal challenges to the grant of planning permission/judicial review.

He has been involved in representations at public inquiries into local plans, mineral local plans and planning appeals and has in depth knowledge of highways law, the law relating to compulsory purchase, and heritage issues. He also has wide experience of property, corporate and banking transactions requiring the resolution of planning and environmental issues.

Environment and Natural Resources
Mr. Charles has advised on a range of environmental issues including power project consents, transfer of waste management licenses, the acquisition and redevelopment of contaminated and potentially contaminated land, the appointment of environmental consultants and appraisal of environmental insurance policies. He has been involved in numerous due diligence exercises, and the negotiation of environmental warranties and indemnities in corporate transactions.