Dispute Resolution

Specialists from our offices throughout the North of England work with a range of law firms and the RICS Dispute Resolution Service to provide Expert Witness advice and Determination relating to all land and property disputes: residential, commercial, development and rural.

Our in-depth knowledge of the legal framework, combined with extensive experience in valuation, planning, and contract disputes, ensures we can deliver impartial, reliable, and comprehensive reports that facilitate informed decisions and determinations. By collaborating closely with legal teams, we provide tailored solutions, whether through formal determinations or expert evidence, to achieve the most favourable outcomes for all parties involved.

Expert Witness.

An Expert Witness is someone called upon to provide an opinion on a matter in which they are recognised as an industry expert, whether in a dispute, a Tribunal or Court of Law.

It is the solicitor’s job to advocate on behalf of their client, but it is the role of the Expert Witness to give a true and honest opinion which is independent and unbiased, and falls within the scope of their expertise, experience and knowledge.

When acting as an Expert Witness, the overriding duty is not to the client, but to the tribunal where the evidence is being given.
Expert Witness.

When it comes to property, an Expert Witness can advise on:
- Claims of property valuation negligence
- Disagreement over Market Value
- Enhanced value and overages
- Assessment of losses
- Compensation claims
- Tenant/landlord disputes
- Restrictive covenants
- Sporting rights
- Easements
- Rights of way

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Determination.

An Independent Expert as Determiner or an Arbitrator, is someone who has the industry expertise that enables them to provide a binding decision over a dispute.

Our Dispute Resolution team have the in depth knowledge and necessary qualifications to handle a wide range of appointments with a vast amount of experience in providing swift and robust outcomes.

Our team includes Arbitrators and Independent Experts who are appointed to the RICS Dispute Resolution Panel. Both methods are used to resolve conflicts or disagreements between parties, aiming to provide faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial ways to settle disputes compared to traditional court proceedings. Arbitration and Expert Determination have separate procedures and the role of Independent Expert or Arbitrator is normally set in place by the contract, but if necessary our team can advise on the best fit for a particular dispute.

Our Dispute Resolution team has a wealth of experience, drawing on expertise across multiple disciplines, making us highly effective in addressing complex challenges while maintaining fair outcomes.
Determination.

The specialist expertise of our Dispute Resolution team includes:
- Development and Planning
- Commercial
- Rural
- Restrictive Covenants
- Telecoms Disputes
- Complex Valuations

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Our Dispute Resolution Experts.

Robyn Peat.

As a member of the RICS Arbitration Panel, Expert Panel and CAAV Panel of Arbitrators and with over 40 years’ nationwide experience as an advocate, expert witness and arbitrator, Robyn is an expert in facilitating mediation. A specialist in quantifying value and negotiation of restrictive covenants and claw-back/overage matters, Robyn ensures optimal outcomes for all parties involved. Robyn is also a member of the RICS Panel of Compulsory Purchase Disputes and Telecom Disputes, acting as an evaluative mediator and independent determiner.

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Richard Garland.

Richard is a Chartered Surveyor and Associate Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. He is a qualified Independent Expert Determiner in property disputes and is a member of the RICS Dispute Resolution Panel as an Independent Expert Determiner. With over 15 years of post-qualification experience, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge in development and commercial valuation and planning disputes related to option agreements, overages, and conditional contracts as well as restrictive covenants. Richard is also an accomplished Expert Witness, with considerable experience. Whether acting as Independent Expert or Expert Witness, Richard’s approach is always based on a thorough understanding of the required procedure and applicable legislation, a detailed understanding of the evidence and a robust stance.

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Andrew Entwistle.

Andrew oversees the professional valuation team and has a reputation for handling the most difficult and challenging valuation assignments. Andrew sat on the RICS Valuation Standards board for 11 years and is regularly appointed as an expert witness. Lead in providing strategy for protecting property interests under the shadow of compulsory purchase, formulation of effective claims and mitigation, track record of being lead Expert in valuation matters following Compulsory Purchase proceedings referred to Upper Tribunal. Andrew is also an Agricultural Mortgage Company appointed agent.

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