Planning & Regulatory Compliance

Expert Planning & Regulatory Solicitors for Developers & Landowners

Crane beside a glass tower under construction

200+ Consultants

Across England & Wales

170+ 5 Star Reviews on TrustPilot

Planning & Regulatory Compliance at Woodstock Legal Services



Planning and building regulations can make or break a development. From securing planning permission and complying with conditions to meeting building safety requirements, getting it wrong can lead to delays, enforcement action and a significant loss of value. Woodstock Legal Services advises developers, landowners, contractors and businesses across England and Wales.


Our lawyers advise on planning applications and appeals, planning conditions and discharging them, permitted development rights, planning enforcement, building regulations compliance, and Building Safety Act obligations.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who works alongside your planning consultants and architects, identifies risks early and helps keep your project compliant from start to finish.


Planning Permission & Enforcement


Securing the right planning permission, and complying with it, is fundamental to any development. Conditions attached to a permission can affect when work can start, how a site is built out and how the finished development can be used.


Our lawyers advise on planning strategy and applications, review planning permissions and conditions, and help you discharge conditions in the right order. Where planning is refused, we advise on appeals. If you receive an enforcement notice, or need to establish that an existing use or development is lawful, we’ll explain your options and act quickly to protect your position.


We’ll help you navigate the planning system with confidence, reducing the risk of costly delays.


Building Regulations & Building Safety


Building regulations set the standards for design and construction, and the Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced a stricter regime, particularly for higher-risk buildings. Developers, contractors and designers now have clearer legal duties, and failing to comply can have serious consequences.


Our lawyers advise clients on their duties under the building regulations and the Building Safety Act. This includes the new approval process for higher-risk buildings and the responsibilities of dutyholders throughout a project. We also advise on liability for historic defects and remediation obligations, working closely with our construction contracts team.


We’ll give you clear, practical advice, so you understand your obligations and can deliver your project safely and compliantly.

Get in Touch With Our Construction & Development Team

Brief Us Now

Or call us today on 0330 088 5792 or send us an email

Planning & Regulatory Compliance FAQs

  • Do I need planning permission for my project?

    It depends on the type of work, the location and any existing permissions or restrictions. Some smaller works fall under permitted development rights, but these can be restricted, for example in conservation areas or for listed buildings. We’ll review your plans and advise on whether permission is needed.

  • What are planning conditions?

    Planning conditions are requirements attached to a planning permission. They might require details to be approved before work starts, control how the development is built or restrict how it’s used. Failing to comply with conditions can lead to enforcement action. We’ll help you understand and discharge them in the right order.

  • What should I do if I receive a planning enforcement notice?

    Act quickly. An enforcement notice sets out the breach and what you must do to put it right, with deadlines for compliance. There’s usually a right of appeal, but strict time limits apply. We’ll review the notice, explain your options and help you respond.

  • What is the Building Safety Act?

    The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced major reforms to building safety in England, following the Grenfell Tower fire. It created the Building Safety Regulator, introduced a stricter approval regime for higher-risk buildings and placed new duties on those involved in design and construction. We can explain how it affects your project.

  • What is a higher-risk building?

    Under the Building Safety Act, a higher-risk building is generally a building that is at least 18 metres high or has at least seven storeys and contains at least two residential units, or is a care home or hospital. These buildings are subject to additional requirements during design, construction and occupation.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our construction solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re negotiating a building contract or resolving a dispute, your matter gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Legal & Technical Expertise

Our team includes a solicitor who is also a chartered surveyor, as well as a dedicated construction and engineering specialist. That means advice grounded in how projects really work, delivered quickly and efficiently to keep your development on track.