Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has announced it is to launch a new mediation service to try and help resolve planning disputes.

It is hoped that the service will save time and money by helping to address some of the issues raised in planning appeals, while also dealing with conflicts surrounding compulsory purchase orders.

Martin Burns, director of the Rics Dispute Resolution Service, which will be leading the new service, suggested that under the present system, planning appeals can often result in stalemate.

He said: "This service will provide both parties in a dispute some relief from what is a costly procedure for the local authority and for the appellant."

Meanwhile, Mr Burns added that mediation could lead to more transparency in the country''s planning processes.

Rics last month announced the publication of new guidance to help improve the focus of the property and construction sectors when it comes to sustainability issues.