Expert legal guidance through Jersey’s planning process.

In Jersey, planning law sits at the heart of property development and  land use. Whether you are developing land, changing a building’s use, seeking permission for signage or alterations, or challenging a planning refusal, expert legal advice  is usually of critical importance.

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Our Expertise

At BCR, our team of experts advise landowners, developers, contractors, businesses, and property professionals on all aspects of Jersey’s planning law and regulatory framework. We combine a deep understanding of the Island’s legal and policy environment with the commercial foresight needed to help clients achieve their goals.

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Our Approach

While Jersey draws influence from English legal principles, it has its own legal system, property law framework, and court procedure. Construction projects in the Island require careful adaptation of UK-standard documentation and an understanding of Jersey’s property, contract, and planning laws. We routinely advise on the use of industry-standard contracts such as:

• JCT Contracts (Joint Contracts Tribunal).
• NEC Contracts.
• Design and Build agreements.
• Professional consultant appointments (RIBA, ACE).
• Collateral warranties.
• Performance bonds and guarantees.

We also assist with bespoke drafting where project complexity, local legislation, or risk appetite calls for tailored solutions. We provide strategic and technical advice at every stage of a construction project:

Procurement Strategy and Contract Selection

Choosing the right procurement method and contract structure is vital. We advise on:

• Traditional vs. design and build vs. management contracting.
• Single-stage vs. two-stage tendering.
• Contractor-led vs. consultant-led projects.
• Framework agreements and partnering contracts.

We help clients balance time, cost, quality, and risk priorities when selecting contract models.

Drafting and Negotiating Contracts

We prepare and review construction documents tailored to the local legal landscape, including:

• Main contractor agreements.
• Subcontracts.
• Professional appointments (architects, engineers, quantity surveyors).
• Collateral warranties.
• Step-in rights and third-party agreements.

We ensure all parties’ roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, payment provisions are compliant, and dispute mechanisms are robust.

Planning and Regulatory Interface

Construction in Jersey must comply with the Island’s planning laws and building control requirements. We work alongside external professionals to advise on:

• Planning conditions.
• Building permits and regulation compliance.
• Access and rights of way.
• Development obligations and agreements.

Dispute Avoidance and Resolution

Even well-managed projects can encounter disputes. We provide early-stage advice to avoid escalation and, where necessary, support clients through:

• Negotiation and mediation.
• Adjudication under JCT or NEC rules.
• Expert determination.
• Royal Court litigation.

We understand construction disputes require prompt attention, technical understanding, and commercial realism.

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Our Values in Action

Excellence: Technically accurate, commercially sound legal work at every stage.

‍Delivery: Prompt, proactive service that aligns with construction timeframes.

‍Respect: For your team’s input, professional standards, and commercial drivers.

‍Elegance: Clarity and precision in documentation, communication, and strategy.

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Why BCR Law

We provide expert legal guidance through Jersey’s unique planning and construction landscape, combining deep local knowledge with commercial insight.
Our collaborative, solutions-focused approach helps clients navigate complexity, manage risk, and achieve their development goals with confidence.

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