ERW Chartered Surveyors

Five Decades of Navigating the Complexities of Planning

We are not your typical consultancy. Led by Elfed R. Williams—a senior Chartered Surveyor and former Chartered Town Planner with over 50 years of experience—we bring a formidable combination of academic depth and practical grit to every instruction.

Based in Wales, we have built a reputation for taking on the cases others find too difficult. Whether you are a developer facing a complex refusal or a homeowner dealing with an enforcement notice, we apply forensic legal skills to persuade decision-makers and achieve the outcomes you need.

The Advantage of Dual-Discipline Expertise

What sets us apart is our unique blend of property law and town planning. Elfed holds a double-Masters—an LLM in Advanced Commercial Property Law and an MA in Town and Country Planning. This "Planning Lawyer + Planning Consultant" perspective allows us to spot opportunities and legal loopholes that others miss.

"We thrive on overcoming problems and making difficult projects happen. Our focus is always on assertive advocacy and positive outcomes."

Specialists in Contentious Cases and Appeals

If your project has hit a wall, we are the team to call. We specialise in navigating the most technical aspects of the planning system:

• Planning Appeals: From written representations and hearings to full Public Inquiries.
• Enforcement Defense: Protecting your property rights against alleged breaches and lawfulness issues.
• Certificates of Lawfulness: Proving existing use or resurrecting "forgotten" permissions—including a notable case where we certified a 1973 permission as still extant.
• Expert Witness Testimony: Elfed is accredited by Cardiff University Law School as an Expert Witness in civil litigation, providing robust evidence in property disputes.

A Proven Track Record Across Wales

Our portfolio spans from the largest solar farm in Wales to sensitive heritage conversions. We are proud to serve a diverse network of clients, including landed estates, the Bangor Diocese, local authorities, and private developers.

Preserving Heritage and Unlocking Potential

We have a deep affinity for the historic fabric of Wales. As members of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, we specialise in Heritage Impact Assessments and the conversion of Grade II listed structures.

From transforming redundant chapels into holiday use to securing permissions for agricultural worker dwellings, we ensure that traditional buildings have a viable, sustainable future. We work closely with a network of associate architects, ecologists, and engineers to provide a comprehensive, one-stop service for complex developments.

Available for services in the following postcode sectors: