Navigating the maze of planning, zoning and land use approval processes anywhere in the world can result in significant delays and escalating costs which can spell the difference between success and failure for a development project. To succeed, you need experienced, practical legal advisors to provide you with the right strategic advice throughout every stage of the planning process.

From the initial due diligence to the acquisition of property and construction, Dentons has the experience, technical expertise and key governmental contacts  to work collaboratively with you and your development consultants so you achieve your outcome in a timely, cost-efficient manner.  We are active and successful development advocates, with extensive experience and knowledge gained from working with some of the largest global, national and local developers, landowners and institutions and from appearing before governmental and regulatory authorities dealing with zoning and land use issues. We understand how development systems are used to raise finance and pay for infrastructure, and how to use those factors to help you succeed in having your plans and projects approved. We leverage our thorough understanding of land use regulation and the project approval process as well as our knowledge of the key players to help you achieve your business goals.

Whether your development plans involve a multi-phased planned development, the subdivision of existing lands, approvals for new construction or rehabilitation, heritage or architectural landmark preservation, safety code compliance, environmental assessment, licensing or other development approval issues, Dentons can provide the expertise and advice you need to address your toughest challenges.

Recognition

Dentons retains top-five ranking for Planning amongst UK law firms

March 26, 2018

Dentons has been named the fourth highest rated planning law firm in the UK in Planning Magazine's 2018 Planning Law Survey, retaining its place in the top five for the third consecutive year. UK Planning partners Stephen Ashworth and Roy Pinnock were also ranked in the individual solicitors rankings, with Stephen in second place and Roy in eleventh place.

Dentons once again named one of the UK's highest rated planning law firms

March 24, 2017

Dentons is pleased to announce that the Firm has been named one of the top-5 highest rated law firms in Planning Magazine's 2017 Planning Law Survey. The Firm's UK Planning team was ranked fourth overall, rising one place from fifth position in 2016.

Dentons named 'Planning Law Firm of the Year'

June 24, 2016

Dentons is delighted to announce that it was named 'Planning Law Firm of the Year' at the Planning and Placemaking Awards 2016.  The UK Planning team was recognised for its work advising both public and private sector clients on a number of significant planning and regeneration projects that will transform the Royal Borough of Greenwich in London.

View all recognition for Development Zoning and Planning

Insights

Lapsing of development consents – what constitutes physical commencement?

May 1, 2023

Australia: To prevent a development consent or complying development certificate from lapsing, it is necessary to physically commence works. Two recent Land and Environment Court cases serve as timely reminders of what can and cannot constitute physical commencement.

Minimum energy efficiency standards in buildings – update April 2023

April 12, 2023

United Kingdom: The minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) regulations have changed with effect from 1 April 2023, such that the current prohibition on new lettings of sub-standard, non-domestic properties now extends to the continuation of any existing lease of a sub-standard, non-domestic property.

Design excellence: Can you skip the design competition?

April 3, 2023

Australia: Recent decisions in the Land and Environment Court shine a light on design excellence and design competition requirements in Local Environment Plans.

View all insights for Development Zoning and Planning

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons and Colliers achieve landmark court-ordered strata collective sale in NSW

August 8, 2019

Dentons and Colliers International have successfully advised the Owners Corporation of 252 Sussex Street Sydney to receive a landmark court judgment for a Strata Collective Sale in New South Wales, Australia.

New report, co-authored by Dentons, calls for greater powers for London Mayor to get land into development for new homes

May 14, 2018

Dentons, together with Urbanism Environment and Design Ltd (URBED), Gerald Eve and Housing Futures Ltd, has co-authored a new report which calls for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and local authorities to be given greater powers to get more land into development for new homes in order to help to fix the capital’s housing crisis.

Dentons advises on planning permission for world's tallest modular scheme

February 5, 2018

Dentons has advised Tide Construction in securing planning permission for its 550-apartment private rented sector (PRS) development at 101 George Street, Croydon in south London.

View all press releases for Development Zoning and Planning