We sat down with Robyn Peat, Chairman at GFW, to discuss the firm's long-standing expertise in providing Dispute Resolution and Expert Witness services, and the unique value these services bring to the North East.
Robyn has over 40 years of experience as an Expert Witness and Arbitrator and is also an accredited member of the RICS Arbitration Panel, RICS Expert Panel and CAAV Panel of Arbitrators together with the RICS adjudication panels for CPO and Telecoms.
Robyn, can you start by explaining what Expert Witness services are and why they’re important in the property sector?
Absolutely. An Expert Witness is an independent professional who is called upon to provide an opinion on a matter in which they are recognised as an industry expert, such as property or land disputes. Their role is to provide unbiased, expert opinions in legal matters, often in court or arbitration. In the property sector, disputes can arise over valuations, planning disagreements, option agreements, and much more, and an Expert Witness can help resolve these issues by presenting clear, factual evidence. The key is that we act impartially, even if we’re instructed by one party, our goal is to assist the court or tribunal in making an informed and fair decision.
How do these services fit into GFW’s broader offering?
At GFW, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of property services, from agency and valuation to consultancy and management. Our Expert Witness and Dispute Resolution services are an extension of that offering. In the North East, where land and property disputes can often have significant financial and community impact, having access to an experienced expert can save both time and money. With the backing of our experienced team, we’re able to offer professional insights into a variety of cases, across a range of disciplines, ensuring clients receive high-quality, reliable advice.
What types of disputes do you typically assist with?
We see a broad range of disputes, the most common being valuation issues—these might be disagreements over the value of land, property, or assets in relation to a sale or development. There are also disputes related to planning permissions, which can be particularly complex in rural areas, where agricultural and residential interests intersect. Option agreements and overage clauses, where parties have future claims on property sales, are another area where we’re frequently called in to support. These cases often involve intricate contract details, and we bring our depth of experience to ensure that all parties are treated fairly.
Does the North East present any unique challenges in terms of Dispute Resolution?
Yes, definitely. The North East has a rich mix of urban, rural, and coastal landscapes, each of which presents its own challenges. In rural areas, disputes often centre around agricultural land and planning permissions. Ongoing changes in agricultural subsidies and regulations creates uncertainty which can then lead to disagreements. Contrarily, in more urban areas of the North East, we’re seeing a rise in development-related disputes, particularly as cities like Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham continue to expand. In both cases, having a local expert who understands the specifics of the region is invaluable.
How does GFW’s approach to Dispute Resolution stand out in the market?
We bring a very tailored, robust approach to each case and are uniquely positioned to offer not only the technical expertise but the local knowledge that’s so crucial in property disputes. No two disputes are the same, so we take the time to thoroughly understand the details before providing advice. One of our key strengths is that our expertise spans across all facets of the property sector. Our dedicated team of in-house experts, including Richard Garland and Andrew Entwistle, have expertise in areas ranging from Development, to Commercial and Rural, which allows us to offer specialised guidance, especially in complex cases involving development valuation and planning disputes. We also benefit from a deep knowledge of the local area and market conditions. We know the lay of the land, in every sense, which enables us to provide contextspecific advice that clients find incredibly valuable.
Can you elaborate on the role of an Arbitrator or Determiner in these disputes?
An Arbitrator or Determiner is appointed to make a final decision in a dispute, based on the facts presented by both parties. This role differs from that of an Expert Witness, who is typically called upon to provide impartial advice during a legal process. A Determiner acts more like a judge, with both parties agreeing to be bound by their decision. In the case of Independent Determination this can be a quicker and less costly route than going to court, especially in property disputes where both sides may want a swift resolution. We’re unique at GFW in having two qualified Expert Determiners within our Dispute Resolution team, both of whom take private referrals and are part of the RICS Dispute Resolution Panel.
What would you say to anyone currently dealing with a property dispute in the North East?
Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice early in the process. The longer a dispute drags on, the more costly and complicated it can become. By working with GFW, you’ll be getting clear, unbiased advice from professionals who not only understand property law but also the specific challenges of the North East market. We’re here to help resolve disputes quickly and fairly, so that everyone can move forward.
For more information on GFW visit www.gfwllp.co.uk
