Peter Wadsley is experienced in cases at the intersection between environmental and planning law. He is highly experienced in inquiries and appeals, as well as in judicial review proceedings, and frequently acts on behalf of local authorities.”

Chambers UK 2024, Planning

As a senior barrister in the local government field, peter has considerable experience in all aspects of planning and environmental work, including public inquiries, appeals to the High Court and Court of Appeal and in judicial review of local authority decisions.

He advises in all these areas assisting local authorities, developers and other bodies, including interest groups and other public bodies.   Particular areas of interest and expertise include renewable energy (particularly wind farms and biomass);  major housing inquiries (including three where viability in the present economic climate was an issue);  retail inquiries;  mineral and waste inquiries;  all aspects of enforcement appeals;  and listed building and conservation area issues (and appeals).

Peter has also acted for highway authorities and others in relation to the creation and extinction of public rights of way and consequent appeals to the High Court.  A recent major rights of way inquiry was the Vixen Tor inquiry in Devon.

He regularly advises local authorities and others on local government issues, including advice to local authorities on their statutory functions and duties.

He has acted (with Leslie Blohm QC and John Sharples) for local authorities in Village Green cases.

He has spoken at many conferences and seminars including (2011) CLT Maximising the Opportunities for Landowners with renewable energy; CLT Planning Law update; CLT Licensing Conference; and a Local Government Law Conference (SJC).

Peter is qualified to undertake public access work in appropriate cases, for further information, please visit our Public Access page.

Directory Quotes

Peter is a legal legend.”

Chambers UK 2023, Planning

Peter is excellent – he’s outstanding with cross-examination, very skilful on his feet and very easy to get along with.”

Chambers UK 2022, Planning

Peter’s advice and opinions are pragmatic, sensible and strike the right note. ‘Peter’s strengths are his ability to think on his feet and the fact that he is very user-friendly. His advice is provided clearly and succinctly, and he dedicates himself to the job.“

CHAMBERS UK 2021, PLANNING

His advice and opinions are pragmatic, sensible and strike the right note.” ‘Peter’s strengths are his ability to think on his feet and the fact that he is very user-friendly. His advice is provided clearly and succinctly, and he dedicates himself to the job.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, PLANNING

Peter is very able, courteous and friendly. He is a genuine master of his craft.”

Legal 500 2021, Planning and Environment

Peter’s strengths lie not only in his client management skills but also his holistic strategic advice at the outset of the case. He his skilled in the art of cross-examination and has a wealth of knowledge on case law.”

Legal 500 2021, Planning

Peter’s advice and opinions are pragmatic, sensible and strike the right note. ‘Peter’s strengths are his ability to think on his feet and the fact that he is very user-friendly. His advice is provided clearly and succinctly, and he dedicates himself to the job.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, PLANNING

He is very able, courteous and friendly. ‘He is a genuine master of his craft.’”

Chambers UK 2020, Planning

He is very able, courteous and friendly.” “He is a genuine master of his craft.”

Chambers UK 2020, Planning

A real thinker on his feet. He is very persuasive when arguing points in court. He continues to be the number one junior on the Western Circuit for planning and environmental work.”

Chambers UK 2019, Planning

He has an encyclopedic knowledge of planning and environmental matters.”

Legal 500 2019, Construction, Planning and Environment

Peter has an aura about him, and is highly respected for his encyclopedic knowledge. ‘Pragmatic, experienced and approachable.’ ‘A good advocate.’ ”

Chambers UK 2018, Planning

Peter has an aura about him, and is highly respected for his encyclopaedic knowledge. ‘Pragmatic, experienced and approachable.’ ‘A good advocate.’ ”

Chambers UK 2018, Planning

“A strong advocate who inspires confidence.”

Legal 500 2017, Construction, Planning and Environment

“Extremely knowledgeable and has a huge amount of experience. He is very approachable and a lot of authorities instruct him directly because they have such a good relationship with him. ‘He has a wealth of experience and an innate ability to think on the hoof, whether in conference or in court. He is a real master of his craft – he’s seen it all before and he knows law and policy inside out.’ “

Chambers UK 2017, Planning

“Peter has innate knowledge of the planning system and an unparalleled ability to think on his feet.”

Legal 500 2016, Construction, Planning and Environment

“Peter focuses on planning law and its intersection with environmental law. He is an experienced advocate in judicial review, and also acts in public inquiries for housing developments. He further has a background in licensing law. ‘The number one junior on the Western Circuit for planning and environmental work. A genuine master of his craft.’ ‘He adopts a very down-to-earth and strategic approach.’ ”

Chambers UK 2016, Planning
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • MA, LLM (Cantab)
    • Post-graduate Certificate in Environmental Law (Bristol University)
  • Professional memberships:

    • Planning and Environmental Bar Association
    • Western Circuit
    • Formerly a practising solicitor and a partner in a commercial and licensing practice in Bristol
  • Peter Wadsley is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.