Human Rights

Environment

Protecting environmental rights and challenging unlawful decisions

SRA Regulated
No Win, No Fee Available
25+ Years Experience

Environmental Law & Rights

Environmental law is crucial for protecting our natural world and ensuring sustainable development. Whether you're concerned about planning decisions affecting your local area, wildlife protection, pollution, or climate change, we provide expert legal advice to help you challenge unlawful decisions and protect environmental rights.

Environmental Rights Are Human Rights

Access to a healthy environment is increasingly recognised as a fundamental human right. We can help you hold public bodies and developers accountable for environmental harm.

What We Can Help With

Planning & Development

Challenging planning decisions that threaten the environment, from major infrastructure to local developments.

Wildlife Protection

Protecting endangered species and habitats through legal challenges and advocacy.

Pollution & Air Quality

Taking action against air, water, and noise pollution affecting communities and health.

Judicial Review

Challenging unlawful decisions by public bodies on environmental matters through judicial review.

Community Rights

Supporting community groups and local residents in protecting their environment.

Strategic Litigation

Taking test cases that set precedents and create lasting environmental protection.

Legal Framework

Environmental law draws on multiple sources of legal protection:

Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Human Rights Act 1998 (Article 8 right to private life)
Aarhus Convention (access to justice in environmental matters)

How We Work

1

Initial Assessment

We review the environmental issue, assess the legal grounds for challenge, and advise on the prospects of success. This includes reviewing planning documents, environmental assessments, and relevant regulations.

2

Pre-Action Protocol

We often begin with formal pre-action letters to the decision-maker, giving them the opportunity to reconsider their decision. Many cases are resolved at this stage without the need for court proceedings.

3

Legal Proceedings

If necessary, we issue judicial review proceedings or statutory challenges. We handle all aspects of litigation, including seeking interim relief to prevent irreversible environmental harm.

4

Outcome & Enforcement

We pursue cases to their conclusion, whether through negotiated settlement or court judgment. We also ensure that positive decisions are properly implemented and enforced.

Why Choose Us

Specialist Expertise

Deep understanding of environmental law, planning law, and public law remedies.

Costs Protection

We navigate Aarhus Convention costs protection to make environmental justice accessible.

Urgent Action

We can act quickly to obtain interim injunctions preventing irreversible environmental damage.

Track Record

Proven success in challenging environmental decisions at all court levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about environmental law and challenging unlawful decisions.

Generally, you must act within 6 weeks of a planning decision under s288 Town and Country Planning Act 1990. For judicial review, the time limit is 3 months, but sometimes shorter. Early legal advice is essential.

Costs vary depending on case complexity. However, Aarhus Convention cases benefit from special costs protection, capping your liability if you lose. We can also explore public funding, conditional fee agreements, and crowdfunding options.

Yes, you may have standing to challenge a decision affecting your environmental rights even without being consulted. Standing requirements in environmental cases are relatively broad, particularly for local residents and community groups.

The Aarhus Convention is an international agreement ensuring access to justice in environmental matters. It provides special costs protection for environmental cases, meaning if you lose, your liability for the other side's costs is capped at levels designed to not be prohibitively expensive.

Ready to Take Action?

Get expert legal advice on your environment case. Free, no-obligation consultation.

Get in Touch

Speak with our experienced legal team about your case. We're here to help.

Phone

01903 931043

Office Hours

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM