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DLA Piper UK LLP remains active on major projects such as acting for Barratt Developments and Connolly Homes on a development of land that includes 3,000-3,500 homes and a broader mixed-use development. Peter Taylor has ‘built up a good team’, and associate David Brammer is praised by clients for his ‘professionalism’.

Eversheds LLP has ‘heavy hitter’ Rod Bull, who ‘gets the job done’. Major clients in the residential development sector include Taylor Wimpey, and the firm secured significant instructions in the energy, utilities and minerals sectors, from clients such as Tarmac. The firm advised REG Windpower on the promotion of seven onshore wind farm projects in 2010.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s excellent team was enhanced by the addition of Iain Gilbey from Shoosmiths, who co-heads the group with Richard Ford. The team has considerable expertise in the nuclear sector, and was appointed to advise the three key local authorities on planning, highways, compulsory purchase and consenting matters relating to the £15bn Hinkley C New Nuclear Power Station. New clients include Waitrose.

Under the leadership of Andrew Thomas, Wragge & Co LLP has particular strength in strategic residential-led developments, major regeneration schemes and highway infrastructure projects, and considerable experience in judicial reviews. It continues to advise on the £17bn Crossrail project, and acted for St Modwen on the regeneration of Longbridge. Marks & Spencer is also a client.

Rebecca Warren heads a ‘strong team’ at Clarke Willmott LLP, which advised Evergreen Extra MSA Holdings on the planning and environmental due diligence for nine motorway service areas, and secured two significant wins for major clients at public inquiries. The Crown Estate is a client.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP predominantly acts for landowners and developers, and in 2010 handled matters including Village Green applications and judicial reviews. Practice head Niall Blackie is ‘very thorough and personable’.

Gateley advised Malvern Hills District Council on the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of a Grade I listed building, and also advises Crosby Homes (Special Projects). Director Gerry Sheedy heads the team.

The ‘very focused’ Andrea Bruce heads the team at Knights solicitors llp, and has ‘unsurpassed’ experience in minerals planning law. The firm acts for Stoke-on-Trent City Council and new client CLS Services.

Martineau is acting for North Warwickshire and Hinckley College in the disposal and development of two sites with a combined value of £12m, and advised Toyota on the content of a specific planning application for an anemometer. Iain Johnston heads the team.

At Shoosmiths, Southampton-based Kirsten Hewson is the national head of planning, and Tim Willis is a ‘very capable associate’. Active clients include Ballymore Properties and First Base. Iain Gilbey is now at Pinsent Masons LLP.

Squire Sanders Hammonds was appointed to the Legal Panel of Orbit Homes, and received its first planning instruction from National Grid. Senior associate Martin Walker is the key contact.

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