OUR TEAM
Peter specialises in planning and environmental law and he advises a range of stakeholders, including planning authorities, regulators, statutory consultees, developers, objectors, landowners and funders. His workload is a broad mix of advocacy, advisory and transactional work.
Advocacy: Representing clients at inquiry and hearing sessions held in relation to: appeals against refusal of planning permission; applications for consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act; Examinations of Local Development Plans; Compulsory Purchase Orders; and applications for Necessary Wayleaves under the Electricity Act.
Advisory: Providing advice on: legislation and regulations; consenting strategy; development plans; planning appeals; and enforcement action.
Transactional: Negotiating Planning Obligation agreements (formerly Section 75 Agreements) and other planning related legal agreements; carrying out planning and environmental due diligence for developers and funders; dealing with planning and environmental matters arising from property and corporate transactions.
Prior to joining the firm, Peter was the in-house counsel and company secretary of Scottish Resources Group. In that role he developed expertise regarding the development and regulation of large-scale coal mining, wind energy, property development and waste projects. He brings a client’s perspective and commercial experience to the delivery of legal services.
Peter is recognised as a “Ranked Lawyer” in Planning by Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession and a “Recommended Lawyer” in Environment and Planning by The Legal 500.
"Peter always gives very detailed advice."
"Peter takes time to explain complex matters and advise clearly. He provides a breadth of expertise."
"Peter is a pleasure to work with and is so helpful in getting matters agreed."
"Peter is a very competent and reliable planning lawyer who is adept at representing public bodies in a very effective, yet understated, way."
"Peter Ferguson is willing to put in the effort to understand the technical background of a client's business to be in a position to give them the best possible legal advice. Calum Gee is an excellent all-round litigation lawyer who can turn his hand to anything."
"Peter Ferguson is always eager to help."
"Jennifer Jack and Peter Ferguson are very experienced with sound judgement and a personable manner."
"Peter Ferguson is always keen to help out."
"Peter Fergusson offers excellent pragmatic advice."
"He is very efficient and organised and is a sound individual to work with."
"He makes time to discuss matters in detail."
"Peter Ferguson thinks about things carefully and is a pleasure to work with."
"Peter Ferguson has exceptional communication skills with both technical and non-technical recipients of his advice."
INSIGHTS
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Conserving, restoring and enhancing biodiversity: application of Policy 3 of NPF4
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Changes to s75 and s75A of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
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What does repowering a wind farm actually mean when it comes to planning applications?
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Planning (Scotland) Bill – Changes to Development Management
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New Planning (Scotland) Bill will bring significant changes to development planning in Scotland
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