Gemma Harris

Office: Cambridge

Position:Associate

Telephone:01223 532747

Email:gemmaharris@hewitsons.com

Overview:

Gemma is an Associate in the Planning and Environment Team who has specialised in planning and compulsory purchase since qualification in 2003.

Experience:

Gemma specialises in both contentious and non-contentious planning, compulsory purchase and licensing work.  She is experienced in dealing with all aspects of planning law, including planning applications and appeals, certificates of lawfulness, highways and planning agreements and enforcement matters. She also has experience of bringing and defending High Court challenges, including Judicial Review, and regularly undertakes advocacy at public inquiries.

Gemma has acted on behalf of a number of Local Planning Authorities, landowners and developers in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land. This has involved the preparation of the CPO documentation and notices, advising landowners in relation to claims for compensation arising out of CPOs, making and defending references to the Lands Tribunal and the negotiation of CPO indemnity agreements.

Gemma acts for both applicants and objectors in relation to liquor and gaming licence applications, variations and reviews, including representation at licensing committee meetings.

Background:

Gemma read law at the London School of Economics and Cambridge University before completing her legal practice course at the College of Law in London. She trained as a solicitor at Nabarro in London, qualifying into their planning team in September 2003. Gemma joined Hewitsons' Planning and Environment Team in February 2006.

Additional Information:

Acting as advocate for an appellant in a successful Section 78 planning appeal relating to proposals to erect 3 new warehouse units where the key issue was the effect of the proposed development on the surrounding landscape in view of the fact that the site was in open countryside.

Acting as advocate for a local planning authority at a public inquiry in relation to the confirmation of a compulsory purchase order where there were outstanding third party objections.  The Inspector ultimately determined that the compulsory purchase would be likely to contribute towards the promotion or improvement of the environmental well being of the District and confirmed the order.