“Nik has a detailed knowledge of planning and environmental framework that enables her to provide accurate advice on the planning enquiries we have referred to her. She executes her brief with precision and gives accurate and realistic advice,” said solicitor Maria di Gregorio.

Called in as experts by Maria, who uses us frequently, we pushed back on a council threatening to order the demolition of a new house.

The builder had made a mistake in construction, possibly not sticking to the approved plans on purpose. Unsurprisingly, the owners were incredibly stressed at the prospect of demolition.

After a site meeting, we could argue that the works, as they had been done, impacted neither the environment nor the amenity of the neighbours.

Because of our years of experience working with councils and deep knowledge of the rules, we could cut through a great deal of posturing to earn retrospective approval. The alternative would have been unthinkably expensive for the owners who had no idea their builder was not following the plans.