Elizabeth Shield

About me

The fact that planning law has such tangible consequences and is so forward-looking is what makes planning law so interesting and rewarding – I can see the difference I make and I have a stake in communities’ futures. My experience as a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute means I can develop strategies for clients that take into account what works in practical terms for them and regards the political and legal complexities of the planning process.

Understanding the market in which developers and landowners are working, and the pressures they are under is very important to me so that I can provide practical, clear and commercial advice. Keeping clients informed is a key part of my role as the planning process is often more complex and bureaucratic than clients expect.

I am experienced in a wide range of environmental, planning and highways law matters. I particularly enjoy planning enforcement work and dealing with certificates of lawfulness as well as interpreting planning permissions and conditions. My experience makes me well placed to deal with planning appeals but I also enjoy non-contentious work such as drafting and negotiating s106 agreements.

Outside work, I enjoy running and love going to the theatre.

Protecting the purchaser of a listed property

A regular client of Jane Mayglothling was purchasing a listed property. During the conveyancing process, Jane spotted several title defects that could have led to her client being liable for costs or disputes once they had taken ownership. Jane ensured the client was protected with a series of policies, while planning lawyer Elizabeth Shield contributed concise and helpful advice to add to the protection in risk areas. The client commented: “Good to work with you and the team at HCR again. They have been invaluable over the years; thank you very much.”

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The Legal 500

Top Tips & FAQs

Discover my top tips

Planning is definitely a marathon, not a sprint – allow yourself plenty of time to get to where you want to be.

Consider what you are not prepared to compromise on; planning is often a negotiation process (as many law related matters are) and it can pay to build concessions into your strategy as long as this isn’t at the expense of your overall vision.

Select good advisors, architects and consultants; even a well thought out scheme can fall down if your team doesn’t have the right knowledge or experience to put that scheme forward in the best way possible.

Read questions I’m frequently asked

Q: Do I need planning permission for x or y?
A: My answer depends, of course, on the detail given, but when answering I consider whether it falls within the definition of development, whether permitted development rights apply or whether that use was lawfully permitted already as a starting point.

Q: How long will it take to decide on x or y?
A: Again, this depends on the type of development and the part of the process concerned, but timescales are often a cause for concern and I will always do my best to be realistic.