Fergus Charlton

I specialise in planning, environmental and compulsory purchase law, offering strategic and practical advice across all stages of the development process. My work spans expert insight into the planning requirements of land promotion agreements, negotiating and securing section 106 planning obligations for planning applications and for planning appeal, interpretation and amendment of planning permissions, advising on permitted development rights, and effectively dealing with planning enforcement. I also advise on the planning-driven elements of natural capital work, particularly delivering biodiversity net gain and mitigating nutrient and water neutrality impacts. This breadth of work means I am familiar with the commercial and policy‑driven pressures that shape their decision‑making, enabling me to deliver advice that is both legally sound and practically effective.

I support developer clients on the infrastructure agreements necessary to deliver development, ensuring that the legal frameworks underpinning projects are robust and aligned with clients’ wider delivery objectives. This includes advising on the negotiation and implementation of key agreements that facilitate both the sale and build‑out of residential, commercial and mixed‑use schemes.

My compulsory purchase expertise covers acting for both acquiring authorities and those impacted by compulsory purchase orders, giving me insight into the strategic considerations on each side. This dual perspective allows me to deliver balanced, solution‑driven advice, whether clients are promoting a scheme or responding to the effects of land assembly.

In addition, I advise on environmental permits and licences, helping clients understand regulatory requirements and manage applications efficiently. My experience includes guiding organisations through compliance obligations and ensuring they meet the standards demanded by environmental regulators.

I act for a wide range of clients, including clients in the energy sector, local and national government bodies, private housebuilders and developers.

https://www.michelmores.com/people/fergus-charlton/