Business Details
Expert Environmental and Planning Law Services in Cambridge
We are a boutique firm of dedicated specialist solicitors working on environmental, planning, and public law issues. Established over 30 years ago, we were the first dedicated environmental law firm in the country and have maintained a top-tier ranking in the legal sector's independent directories since inception. Based in Cambridge but operating nationwide, we provide expert advice and advocacy to individuals, community groups, charities, and local authorities.Our team is driven by a strong belief in using the law to protect the environment and uphold justice. Recognised as pioneers in our field, we combine deep legal expertise with a commitment to addressing complex environmental challenges through strategic litigation and advisory services.
Services
Environmental Law
Judicial Review
Nuisance Claims
Planning Objections
Public Law
Climate Change
Energy
Environmental Impact Assessment
Heritage
Housing Growth
Highlights and features
- We were the first dedicated environmental law firm in the UK
- Recognised as a top-tier firm in legal directories since 1993
- Specialise in judicial reviews challenging unlawful public decisions
- Nationwide practice with localised expertise in environmental matters
- Ranked as a 'giant in the field' by independent legal directories
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Giant in the field
Strong track record
Expertise
Commitment to justice
Successful challenges
Services
Environmental Law
We provide specialist advice on environmental law matters including climate change, energy projects, and waste management. Our team helps clients challenge unlawful decisions affecting natural resources and ensures compliance with environmental regulations. With decades of experience, we represent individuals and organisations in complex environmental litigation across England & Wales.
Judicial Review
Our judicial review expertise focuses on challenging public authority decisions related to planning, environmental permits, and statutory obligations. We assist clients in quashing unlawful decisions through High Court proceedings. The firm has a proven track record in landmark cases involving infrastructure projects, conservation, and community rights.
Nuisance Claims
We handle civil and statutory nuisance claims involving noise, odour, light pollution, and other environmental disturbances. Our solicitors help clients obtain injunctions against private entities causing environmental harm. Recent successes include stopping illegal greyhound kennelling operations and challenging industrial noise pollution in residential areas.
Planning Objections
Our planning objections service assists communities and local groups in opposing inappropriate development proposals. We prepare detailed legal arguments against planning applications that threaten green spaces, heritage sites, or local amenities. The team regularly represents clients at planning committee hearings and appeals.
Public Law
We specialise in public law challenges concerning housing policy, local plans, and environmental governance. Our work ensures public authorities act within their legal powers when making decisions that affect communities. Recent cases include challenging traffic regulation orders and protecting assets of community value.
People
Richard Buxton
Partner
Founder and lead solicitor with over 30 years' experience in environmental law. Recognised as a pioneer in the field, he has successfully challenged numerous public authority decisions. Committed to using the law to protect natural resources and community interests.
Lisa Foster
Partner
Specialist in planning law and judicial review with extensive experience representing community groups. Key expertise in challenging infrastructure projects and protecting green belt land. Regularly appears before planning committees and tribunals.
Paul Taylor
Partner
Environmental law expert focusing on climate change litigation and energy policy. Advises on environmental impact assessments for major projects. Instrumental in landmark cases concerning fossil fuel emissions and renewable energy development.
Matthew McFeeley
Partner
Specialises in heritage protection and nuisance claims. Successfully represented clients in cases involving listed buildings and conservation areas. Expert in balancing development needs with preservation of historical assets through strategic legal action.
Paul Stookes
Consultant
Senior legal advisor with focus on housing growth and local plan challenges. Provides strategic guidance on public law matters affecting community development. Regularly contributes to policy discussions on sustainable urban planning.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in environmental law, planning law, and public law, with particular expertise in judicial reviews, nuisance claims, and challenges to public authority decisions.
How can you help with planning objections?
We assist communities and individuals in challenging inappropriate planning decisions through formal objections, appeals, and judicial review proceedings. Our team has extensive experience in planning committee advocacy.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
We provide an initial assessment of potential cases via phone or email. Detailed case evaluations may involve a small fee, which is discussed upfront before any commitment.
What is judicial review?
Judicial review is a legal process to challenge unlawful decisions made by public authorities. We help clients seek High Court intervention to quash decisions affecting planning permissions, environmental policies, and statutory obligations.
How do you handle nuisance claims?
We pursue civil and statutory nuisance claims against private entities causing environmental harm. Our solicitors obtain injunctions to stop noise pollution, odour issues, and other disturbances affecting residential areas.
Reviews (2)
B. Gooch
Feb 14, 2022
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We had a complex planning issue and could not find anyone willing to listen let alone help us. Finally we came across Richard Buxton who were brilliant and excellent value for money. Not only did they response quickly but their professional advice and support was of the highest quality. I would recommend Richard Buxton to anyone with a planning issue or query.
Nelson Richardson
Jun 29, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value Attempted to withhold 1,200 of client funds for forwarding information to a public access barrister. Complaints pending with SRA and the Legal Ombudsman. Avoid. UPDATE 25/06/2021 - The Legal Ombudsman decided not to decide. Amazing what money can buy. The matter is now before the courts as Mr Buxton still won't return funds.
