The Legal 500

United Kingdom > West Midlands > Real estate > Planning

Editorial sections

Other

All countries

Mandates for DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘prompt and efficient’ team included advising Land Securities on the development of land for up to 5,000 dwellings on a brownfield site. It is also advising Richborough Estates on a legal challenge against the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government following a planning appeal decision. Practice head Peter Taylor is highly rated, and associate David Brammer is ‘very thorough’.

Eversheds LLP has particular strength in the renewables sector. It assisted RWE nPower Renewables in obtaining planning permission for a seven-turbine wind farm in South Wales following a public inquiry; and was also instructed by Birmingham International Airport in relation to a major CPO for the proposed runway extension at Birmingham Airport. Stuart Andrews ‘uses plain English’.

Pinsent Masons LLP is focused on large-scale regeneration, development and infrastructure projects, and has been providing all the planning advice in relation to the major regeneration project at London’s Earls Court and Olympia. Scottish Power Renewables is also a client. Iain Gilbey is recommended, and senior associate Richard Foster is ‘very knowledgeable’.

Wragge & Co LLP has an excellent reputation, with niche expertise in areas such as energy, infrastructure and logistics developments, and also in highways law. It is advising Goodman Logistics on major proposals for a rail freight interchange, and St Modwen on the redevelopment of the Longbridge site. Andrew Thomas heads the team.

The well-established team at Clarke Willmott LLP includes Rebecca Warren, who ‘consistently demonstrates a keen commercial understanding of development issues’. The firm provided planning advice to Stratford on Avon District Council on the drafting of a s106 agreement, while other highlights included a win in the Court of Appeal.

The ‘oustanding’ Niall Blackie at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is ‘one to have on your side’. The team represented various landowners in the negotiation of significant option agreements for development land, and has also advised on village green applications.

Gerry Sheedy heads the team at Gateley. Recent highlights include its appointment, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, to advise Walsall Council on the making of a Local Development Order.

Irwin Mitchell is advising Persimmon Homes South Midlands on planning matters for the proposed development at Long Marston. It also advised Gazeley on the proposed s106 agreement and commercial development at Meir Park. Oliver Martin is ‘extremely experienced and commercial’.

Knights solicitors llp has an impressive roster of clients that includes Merlin Entertainments and Amos Group. It is representing a client at an inquiry relating to a compulsory purchase under the Transport and Works Act. Andrea Bruce heads the team.

SGH Martineau LLP acted for Rubery Owen Holdings and Kier Ventures in securing planning permission for the residential development of a site and community centre in Sutton Coldfield. Iain Johnston heads the team.

Shoosmiths has been particularly involved in residential and public inquiry work. Major clients include British Waterways Marinas, Citygrove and Larkfleet. Newly promoted partner Tim Willis provides ‘sound and timely advice’.

Squire Sanders LLP provides ‘down-to-earth advice’. It has been advising the Homes and Communities Agency on the planning strategy to pave the way for the development of a £350m engine plant for Jaguar Land Rover. Senior associate Martin Walker ‘generates solutions’.

Search News and Articles

Press releases

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to

Legal Developments in West Midlands for Planning

Legal Developments in the UK

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

Press Releases in the UK

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
© 2013 www.legal500.com