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DMH Stallard LLP ‘stands out from other law firms in the South’ for its ‘high-quality advice and strong reputation’. In 2010, group head Heidi Copland gained further instructions from local planning authorities, particularly on complex s106 agreements; and the team continued to advise Park Holidays UK on planning and site licence matters in relation to its 26 caravan parks in Southern England. ‘Excellent’ consultant Tony Allen is recommended for his focus on heritage work.

The ‘excellent’ Shoosmiths offers ‘consistent advice and understands the strategic direction of projects’. Kirsten Hewson is highly regarded in the retail planning sector, acting for a number of international retailers and advising on town centre redevelopment schemes. Hewson took over as national head of planning in 2010, following the departure of Iain Gilbey.

asb law LLP deals with planning-related enforcement and prosecution matters, s106 agreements, compulsory purchase orders, judicial reviews and appeals to High Court challenges. ‘Extremely good’ practice head Vicky Stoodley is well known for her advice to housebuilders, local authorities and developers.

Blake Lapthorn provides a full service to clients seeking advice on town and county planning law, and has recently undertaken advocacy at planning inquiries involving Winchester City Council and St Albans District Council. Department head Guthrie McGruer has expertise in both contentious and non-contentious planning matters.

Michael Mundy’s planning group at Clarke Willmott LLP continues to go from strength to strength, and saw a significant increase in public sector work in 2010. It welcomed 30 new instructions from the Isle of Wight Council on planning matters relating to development on the Island.

Cripps Harries Hall LLP was appointed to the Barratt Homes strategic land and planning panel in 2010, and reports significant instructions from this and other housebuilder clients including Berkeley Homes and Linden Homes (South East). Jason Towell is noted for his expertise in both greenfield strategic and brownfield regeneration projects.

The planning team at Darbys Solicitors LLP advises on matters including appeal and enforcement issues. Planning and highways specialist Deborah Ceadel is recognised for her expertise in planning obligations, covering commercial and residential development, town centre redevelopment and the delivery of infrastructure; ‘she is professional, approachable and has a thorough working knowledge of the practice area’.

Pitmans LLP advises on all aspects of planning, highways and compulsory purchase for high-profile clients including RBS, Urban Outfitters and Banner Homes. Sue Crowther is well known for her advice on major redevelopment projects and handles all aspects of contentious and non-contentious planning law.

Stevens & Bolton LLP handled a number of enforcement matters in 2010 and reports an increase in planning instructions from developer clients. Practice head Catherine Davey continues to advise the University of Surrey on obligations relating to proposed campus developments.

Blandy & Blandy LLP welcomed the arrival of two new planning specialists in 2010. The ‘very responsive and focused’ group, led by Karen Jones, represents landowners and developers, and was recently reappointed to the University of Reading’s property and planning panel.

Brachers recruited solicitor Lee May in 2010, to assist Henry Abraham with planning matters. The team is currently advising one of two principal landowners on a 6.2-hectare site allocated for housing developments.

Led by Giles Ferin, the planning team at EMW recently advised Enviroparks (Hirwaun) on applications and planning obligations for a proposed £100m hi-tech waste recycling and energy recovery plant.

Geoffrey Searle Planning Solicitors recently acted for Marcus Cooper Group and a joint venture partner on a planning agreement for a high-profile residential development near Regent’s Park. Geoffrey Searle is recommended.

Lester Aldridge LLP handles planning matters across a number of sectors, including residential and retail. Andrew Hignett’s team also has specific expertise in port and marina development. Clients include McCarthy & Stone and Santander.

Morgan Cole has extensive expertise in planning matters and procedures, with sector strengths in energy, health and education. Ruth Leadbitter and Daniel Scharf are the key contacts.

Janet May heads a specialist planning legal and consultancy team at Paris Smith LLP, which handles large-scale development projects across the region. Current work highlights include advising on the redevelopment of Hampshire cricket venue the Rose Bowl.

Thomas Eggar LLP’s impressive client base features the likes of Asda, Dixons and News International. The practice is driven by Carl Dyer, who has expertise in retail and care home planning applications.

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