Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Planning

Under the leadership of Tim Axe, who has over 30 years of experience in agricultural planning matters, LCF Law advises private landowners on rural planning permissions and appeals to local planning authorities.

Planning in Yorkshire And The Humber

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP excels at advising national clients on the planning and compulsory purchase aspects of high-value infrastructure projects and developments. The team is particularly well suited to handle renewable energy projects, having been instructed to assist with some of the nation’s largest energy transition schemes, and also maintains close relations with local and regional councils across the country in connection with major residential and commercial regeneration projects. The practice is led by Jonathan Riley, who is widely regarded for his ability to work on significant transport and energy infrastructure projects. Strategic planning adviser Jan Bessell is also recommended for her ability to advise on the Development Consent Order process, while Nick McDonald is a key contact for clients seeking assistance with compulsory purchase orders and renewable energy schemes. Development planning expert Jo Miles is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Riley


Other key lawyers:

Jan Bessell; Nick McDonald; Jo Miles


Testimonials

‘Jo Miles has provided an excellent service. She quickly understood how our organisation works and what was required, and delivered over and above what was asked for.’

‘Knowledge, skills and a customer-centric approach.’

Key clients

BP Exploration Operating Company Limited


Castle Cement Limited (Hanson)


Cumbria County Council


EP UK Investments Limited


Homes England


Kent County Council


Leeds City Council


London Borough of Haringey


London Borough of Wandsworth


National Highways


National Railway Museum


Newlon Housing Trust


South Gloucestershire Council


South Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council


Spray Street Quarter LLP


Viridor Energy Limited


Vitol


West Yorkshire Combined Authority


Work highlights


  • Advised BP Exploration Operating Company Limited on the consenting of Net Zero Teesside project, a carbon capture, usage and storage project which aims to decarbonise a cluster of carbon-intensive industries by 2027.
  • Advised South Gloucestershire Council on policy and various major planning applications relating to Brabazon Arena and the former Filton Airfield, and subsequently on the delivery of the M49 Link Road scheme.
  • Advised Cumbria County Council on the CPO for the Carlisle Southern Link Road, which will unlock development land for the 10,000 home St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, and subsequently on a further CPO for the A595 Grizebeck improvement scheme.

Walker Morris LLP

The team at Walker Morris LLP is well regarded for its ‘quality of work and proven success rate‘ on a wide spectrum of planning matters, handling major residential and logistics developments as well as a growing volume of infrastructure projects on behalf of clients such as Taylor Wimpey and Caddick. In addition to advising on large-scale planning applications and compulsory purchase orders, the team maintains a strong presence in contentious matters and regularly assists with planning appeals and public inquiries. Practice head and residential development expert Richard Sagar is a key contact for appeals and disputes, while Chris Slater regularly handles section 106 planning applications. Rob Moore is also highly recommended for his advice on land promotion matters. In December 2022, Alison Ogley left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Richard Sagar


Other key lawyers:

Chris Slater; Rob Moore; Josh Kitson; Victoria Leam


Testimonials

‘The team are very experienced, and have the ability to offer a rounded level of advice from site acquisitions through to S106 and any planning issues through the development process. Their uniqueness comes from the strength of their professionals and from their ability to consistently offer this rounded advice.’

‘All the team members I have worked with on a regular basis (Chris Slater, Richard Sagar, Rob Moore, Josh Kitson) are on hand and available to answer queries and provide advice at short notice. The right level of advice is given depending on circumstance.’

‘This is a very strong planning team.’

‘Rob Moore is exceptional for his ability to get on top of and hold the details of a case at his fingertip. He is an excellent strategist too, as well as being personable.’

‘Rob Moore is really one of the best.’

‘Walker Morris has an excellent reputation in this field and are renowned for their quality of work and proven success rate. They have a forensic approach which leaves no stone unturned!’

‘I have worked with Richard Sagar and Rob Moore. They are very professional, but also approachable, and they tell you how it is! They know their profession inside out, are very thorough, and get to the heart of issues directly. They are very honest in their assessment of the likely chances of a project’s success.’

Key clients

Arla Foods


Anchor


Asda Stores


Avant Homes


Axiom


Berkley De Veer


BDW Group


Bellway Homes


Bowmer & Kirkland Limited


Caddick Group


Commercial Estates Group


FCC Environment (UK) Limited


Galliford Try


Gleeson Developments


Hallam Land Management Ltd


Harworth Group


Highstone Homes


Mulgrave


Newett Homes


Park Holidays UK


Park Lane Properties Ltd


Redrow Homes


Taylor Wimpey


The Peel Group


Town Centre Securities plc


Unite Group


Work highlights


  • Acted for Harworth on a section 78 appeal against the refusal of outline planning permission for the erection of up to 397 dwellings and associated infrastructure.
  • Advised Caddick on the Examination in Public of the Local Plan to promote a 4.5m sq ft logistics and industrial development on the A57/A1 junction.
  • Advised Taylor Wimpey and Redrow on planning and highway matters and the drafting of a complex 106 agreement in relation to a proposed development in Leeds for up to 925 dwellings, including means of primary vehicle access, a central spine road, associated infrastructure works, and a 2.6 ha community hub facility (provisionally comprising a primary school, convenience store and health provision).

CMS

CMS counts SSE and the Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust among a diverse list of clients that the Sheffield-based team advises on nationally significant infrastructure and energy projects, as well as large-scale residential, logistics and healthcare developments. The team is equally well versed in contentious and non-contentious matters and handles a large volume of planning applications and appeals, while also advising landowners and local councils on planning objections. The team, which is led by the ‘nationally well-known‘ CPO specialist Chris Bowes, is strengthened by the expertise of experienced residential development and infrastructure expert Rebecca Roffe. David Hardy, who is renowned for his planning advice on renewable energy projects, is also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Chris Bowes


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Roffe; David Hardy; Emma Hurst


Testimonials

‘This is a very vibrant, national practice with a regional base. They have an active national profile and are a prominent force in the market.’

‘Chris Bowes is a nationally well-known figure in the planning and environmental law world. He is calm and legally and commercially savvy, with an excellent understanding of people. He brings both legal and managerial expertise to cases, and is a very reliable, objective, and sensible sounding board.’

‘Rebecca Roffe is a phenomenon unlike any other. She has huge amounts of energy, is an inspiring team leader and organised, an excellent lawyer and great supporter and champion for diversity. She is generous with her time and expertise, loved by clients and admired by colleagues.’

Key clients

Big Yellow


Cadent Gas


Community Wind Power Limited


Copley Point


Curlew


East Lindsey District Council


Far East Consortium


Fred Olsen Renewables Limited


Goldman Sachs


Infrared UK Lion Nominee 1 Ltd


Infrared UK Lion Nominee 2 Ltd


LandSec


Lightsource BP


Low Carbon


Magnitude Land LLP


Middlesex University


Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


Muse


NewRiver Retail


North Yorkshire Moors National Park Authority


Palace Capital


Richmondshire District Council


SEGRO


SP Energy Networks


SSE


Serco


St Anns Quay Management Limited


Stonecutter JV Limited


The Crown Estate


Vita/Select


Waratah Property SARL


Work highlights


  • Advised SSE/UKPA Energy MF Ltd on the decision of Selby District Council to refuse planning permission for a zero-carbon energy storage and management facility.
  • Acted for Waratah Property SARL (formerly Arrow Capital Partners) on the purchase of Amazon’s warehouse in Wakefield, West Yorkshire for £233m.
  • Acted for two InfraRed funds on a major planning appeal to secure permission for the comprehensive regeneration of Basildon Town Centre.

DWF

DWF retains a solid planning offering that is particularly catered towards clients seeking advice on urban regeneration projects as well as energy and transportation infrastructure schemes. As the head of a practice capable of handling compulsory purchase and land assembly mandates as well as securing planning consent for large-scale projects, Andrew Batterton regularly works with colleagues across the country to assist local and national public sector clients as well as major developers and infrastructure operators. Associates Stephanie Smith and Claire Thompson are also recommended for their ability to advise on infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Batterton


Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Smith; Claire Thompson


Key clients

BT


Cornwall Council


Greater Anglia Trains


National Grid Grain LNG


Royal Borough of Greenwich


Selby Council


Sovereigh Centros


Wavin Ltd


Welsh Government


Whitbread Group Plc


Work highlights


  • Advised the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council on all of its major regeneration projects over a three-year period to deliver significant and transformational master-planned projects involving mixed-use and residential (10,000 units in total) development and associated infrastructure improvements.
  • Advised National Grid Grain LNG on the development of its LNG assets in the Medway, which has included the promotion of its interests relating to the increase in LNG capacity at the facility.
  • Advised the Welsh Government on its flagship Global Centre of Rail Excellence project, providing strategic planning support as part of the remediation and redevelopment of the site.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

The planning team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP stands out for its work in the energy and infrastructure spaces, maintaining a roster of clients that encompasses names such as Vattenfall and Network Rail. Under the leadership of renewable energy specialist Peter Nesbit, the team has advised on section 36 planning consents, public inquiries and appeals, and applications for the promotion of national infrastructure projects. The team is also equipped to assist with planning matters on large-scale residential schemes, for which Roddy Macdonald is a key contact. At the associate level, Paul McLean is highly recommended for his expertise in commercial development matters.

Practice head(s):

Peter Nesbit


Other key lawyers:

Roddy Macdonald; Paul McLean


Key clients

Force 9 Energy Partners LLP


Homes England


Infinergy Limited


Kier Ventures


Legal and General


Luminate Education Group


Miller Homes


Network Rail


Theakston Estates


Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd


Schofield Sweeney

Schofield Sweeney‘s planning team is capable of handling a large volume of residential, industrial and retail development mandates, assisting clients with planning agreements and compulsory purchases. The practice is also well versed in advising on appeals against enforcement notices and planning permission refusals in support of commercial development projects. The practice is led by Amanda Beresford, a ‘highly regarded‘ practitioner whose advice on planning appeals and permissions is highly sought by developers and landowners. Beresford is also well-versed in contentious matters and regularly acts for clients in objections to planning proposals.

Practice head(s):

Amanda Beresford


Testimonials

‘Amanda Beresford has provided me with excellent planning advice. She has a very professional approach and good communication and is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Accessible, friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend them highly for the work carried out on planning appeals.’

‘Amanda Beresford is highly regarded. Always available and able to provide insightful advice where needed.’

Key clients

Broughton Hall Estate


Caddick City Living Limited


Chatsworth House Trust


Earthline Limited


Greenhouse Group


Greggs PLC


Lindum Developments Limited


Moda Living Limited


Mone Brother (Excavations) Limited


Rushbond PLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Caddick City Living Limited on a £300m 515-home residential development in Leeds.
  • Advised Earthline Limited on a mineral extraction and restoration scheme in Wiltshire.
  • Advised Lindum Developments Limited on compulsory purchase issues relating to proposed A46 improvement works in Newark.

Walton & Co (Planning Lawyers) Limited

Bespoke planning law firm Walton & Co (Planning Lawyers) Limited is recognised for offering ‘unparalleled experience and knowledge‘ when advising on section 106 agreements, compulsory purchase orders and highways agreements in connection with large-scale residential and commercial developments. Clients in the development and strategic land spaces also regularly instruct the team on contentious matters, including enforcement appeals and High Court disputes related to environmentally impactful and heavily regulated projects. The team is led by the duo of David Walton and Alec Cropper, both of whom are held in high regard for their experience drafting planning agreements and applications.

Practice head(s):

Alec Cropper; David Walton


Other key lawyers:

Paula Churm


Testimonials

‘The Walton and Co team very much give you the feeling that you are being made a part of the family. The team is cohesive with their advice and speak as one, operating under the guidance of David Walton. They are keen to be part of a team and offer solutions to problems outside the planning advice they give.’

‘Alec Cropper is clearly a key part of the practice. His advice, both written and verbal, is considered and readable for all audiences. David Walton – a man you want to have around, whether it be for his planning knowledge, sheer experience or problem-solving ability.’

‘Alec Cropper is personable, dedicated, and always goes above and beyond.’

Key clients

Amber Valley Borough Council


CEG


Cheshire West and Chester Council


Heritage Holdings


NYC Estates


Opus North


Pickard Properties


Stonebridge Homes


Wren Kitchens


Yorkshire Housing


Work highlights


  • Advised CEG on the successful obtaining of planning permission for a high-profile residential development following a public inquiry, including defence of the decision against a High Court challenge lodged by an Interested Party.
  • Advised Heritage Holdings on multiple appeal proceedings issued by the client in respect of a large scale industrial site, which are expected to proceed by way of public inquiry.
  • Advised Wren Kitchens on obtaining and implementing planning permission for new commercial and logistics developments across four separate sites, including a large-scale logistics facility proceeding by way of inquiry appeal proceedings.

Weightmans

The planning team at Weightmans is highly regarded for the ‘strength in depth and attention to detail‘ it provides when advising on significant, high-value energy, transportation and residential development projects. In addition to assisting with Development Consent Orders and compulsory purchases, the practice is very well versed in handling contentious work and planning appeals. With the ability to advise on planning applications as well as act in High Court challenges and judicial reviews, practice head Lee Gordon is sought after for the breadth of his expertise in complex projects. Michelle Spark left the practice in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Lee Gordon


Testimonials

‘Weightmans are excellent. They provide strength in depth and attention to detail, but also strategic vision.’

‘Lee Gordon is a star. He is excellent, an exceptionally good lawyer who is highly meticulous, but also imaginative. He is also very popular with clients. I have recommended him to many clients.’

Key clients

Barratt & David Wilson Homes


Bolton Council


Casey Group Limited


Charnwood Borough Council


City of York Council


Cotswold District Council


Gloucestershire County Council


Harlow & Gilston Garden Town partner authorities


Leeds City Council


Liverpool City Region Combined Authority


Merseyrail


Northern Powergrid


Nottinghamshire County Council


O&H Land


Populo Living


Prospect Estates Limited


Robinsons Brewery


Royal Mail Group


Tewkesbury Borough Council


Thornton Hall Hotel Limited


Welsh Government


Work highlights


  • Advised O&H on its application for its Wixam Park mixed-use development in Central Bedfordshire, which is to include 1,200 new dwellings and major infrastructure.
  • Advised Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on the promotion of a multi-billion major tidal energy project.
  • Advised City of York Council on the York Outer Ring Road Dualling Project, a £75m scheme, including advice on planning and a potential CPO.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP's planning team has a strong presence in infrastructure and housing development matters, advising local councils, housebuilders and companies in the energy and waste sectors on Development Consent Orders, section 106 agreements, and compulsory purchase matters. The team stands out for its expertise in renewable energy matters and has advised on the consent for and delivery of several nationally significant projects. The team is led by planning and environment specialist Claire Brook, who is noted for her ‘practical and commercial awareness‘ and is a key contact for advice on major infrastructure schemes. Helen Robinson is also highly recommended. James Garbett left the team in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Claire Brook


Other key lawyers:

Helen Robinson; Kate Ashworth; Frances Everett


Testimonials

‘The team benefits significantly from the leadership of Claire Brook, who is absolutely spot on with her advice and collaborates well with the wider team. I have found the WBD team to be highly responsive and practical in their advice. They are also a lovely group of people to work with.’

‘I would mention Claire Brook specifically. Claire has great leadership qualities – she provides highly evidenced, clear legal advice, but also encourages and supports her team. I have really liked working with Claire and the whole team on our most recent project.’

‘Excellent and genuinely close-knit team, and refreshingly female-led, which is rare in the planning world. Particularly strong on major infrastructure work and provides as good a service as anywhere in the country. There is a good mix of senior and junior resources, and the project teams that I have seen have been well balanced, with good partner availability.’

Key clients

Augean PLC


Barratt Homes


BDW Trading Limited


BUPA Care Homes


Enfinium


Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership


Karbon Homes Limited


Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council


LRC Management Europe Limited


Leeds City Council


National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC


Northumbrian Leisure


Places for People Homes Limited


Rentplus UK Limited


Solar 21 Renewable Energy Limited


Taylor Wimpey UK Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Solar 21 Renewable Energy Limited on an application for a Development Consent Order for a Green Energy Park in Lincolnshire.
  • Advised Taylor Wimpey on multiple major schemes, both across the Yorkshire region and nationally, including on the implementation of the 1,200-home Newcastle Great Park urban extension.
  • Advised Barratt Homes & David Wilson Homes on multiple major schemes across the Yorkshire region, including major new housing developments in Huddersfield, Bradford, Burley-in-Wharfdale, Barnsley, and Pontefract.

Blacks Solicitors LLP

The team at Blacks Solicitors LLP is commended for offering a ‘fantastic understanding‘ of planning matters, particularly those that concern regeneration and development schemes. Clients instruct the team to advise on planning applications and impact assessments for a diverse range of industrial, residential and mixed-use development projects. Under the leadership of the ‘highly professional and effective’ James Cook, the practice is also instructed to handle an increasing number of energy and mining mandates. At the associate level, Katy McPhie is highly recommended for her expertise in development matters.

Practice head(s):

James Cook


Other key lawyers:

Katy McPhie


Testimonials

‘The practice are always contactable and are able to discuss things clearly and in an understandable manner. They look for solutions rather than highlighting problems.’

‘James Cook and Katy McPhie are very focused and committed and understand the requirements of the client from many angles. With their past experience, they know how best to approach any issues with the Local Planning Authority through direct connections and a detailed understanding of the LPA processes.’

‘We have worked with Blacks on numerous projects and have found them to be knowledgeable, professional, responsive and personable.  The team has a fantastic understanding of the legalities involved in the planning system and are sensitive to the commercial pressures our clients face. They are also very effective – Blacks’ input has been crucial in us obtaining planning permission on a number of sites, and their ability to navigate through the legal complexities has been invaluable.’

‘We have primarily worked with James Cook and Katy McPhie. Both are extremely personable, knowledgeable and professional.’

‘James Cook is a very experienced and able solicitor whom I have used for my legal planning work for a long time.’

‘James Cook provides a highly professional and effective service in planning law.’

‘Black’s Planning team are always helpful to assist with any planning queries and provide a personable service. They work in a methodical way and provide easy to understand advice on a range of matters.’

‘James Cook and Katy McPhie understand the planning process and are able to provide advice on a range of matters. We have no hesitation in recommending them to clients as they always work in a timely and easy to understand manner.’

Key clients

Bridon International Limited


Fluorsid British Fluorspar Limited


Scarborough Group International


Thorpe Park Developments Limited


Wilton Developments Limited


YPP Group of Companies


Work highlights


  • Advised Scarborough Group Limited on an application for planning permission for approximately 549,000 square feet of employment development on 21.17 hectares of green belt land in Leeds.
  • Advised Water Lane Limited (part of Wilton Developments Limited) on a proposal for 45,755 square metres of employment development (storage & distribution and office space), a multi-use sports pitch, associated landscaping, and vehicular, pedestrian and cycle infrastructure in Leeds.
  • Advised Bridon International Ltd. on an application for planning permission for approximately 42,000 square metres of industrial and warehousing development in South Yorkshire, involving the preparation and negotiation of a section 106 agreement which included obligations relating to a new bus service, local employment, tree planting, biodiversity net gain and travel planning.

Clarion

Clarion acquired planning boutique LB & Co in spring 2023, a deal which saw highly experienced duo Carolyn Lord and Kate Butterfield join the Leeds firm's real estate group. Lord is known for her 'creative approach to site development projects' and 'an eye for effective public sector stakeholder engagement', while Butterfield is praised for her 'incisive legal advice'. Their track record of work covers applications and appeals, highway and rights of way law, and compulsory purchase orders.

Practice head(s):

Carolyn Lord


Other key lawyers:

Kate Butterfield


Testimonials

‘Carolyn Lord is a versatile and a valuable addition to any project team, bringing legal expertise but also a creative approach to site development projects, with an eye for effective public sector stakeholder engagement.’

‘Kate Butterfield is excellent in offering incisive legal advice which has assisted us in drawing a line under obstacles as we progress through projects.’

‘The overriding positives of working with the team are attention to detail and a personal service. They are fully vested in your scheme and take time to understand your aspirations, working practices and ambitions.’

‘I have worked extensively with Carolyn Lord. Her dedication to a role that she understands in forensic detail is stand-out. She is flexible, responds to requests for work immediately and is extremely thorough.’

‘Deep understanding of planning law and case examples for a wide range of matters. Attention to detail. Excellent client relationships.’

‘This is a no-nonsense, commercially minded planning and development practice, always able to offer practical and timely advice when required.’

Key clients

CEG (Commercial Estates Group)


GMI Properties Limited


Litton Properties


DB Cargo (UK) Limited


Brett Aggregates Limited


Eurovia Infrastructure Limited


Olympian Homes


Godwin Developments


DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s Leeds-based practice regularly collaborates with the firm’s nationwide offices to advise transportation and energy clients such as High Speed Two (HS2) Limited and the National Grid on the delivery of nationally significant projects. The team regularly assists with Development Consent Orders and compulsory purchase matters in connection with these projects. Led nationally by Birmingham lawyer Trevor Ivory, the Leeds practice also relies on the regional support of North West-based infrastructure specialist Sophie Stewart. Legal director Claire Stoneman is a key contact for asset protection matters and frequently advises on the firm’s largest infrastructure mandates. Henry Jeffreys is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Trevor Ivory


Other key lawyers:

Sophie Stewart; Claire Stoneman; Henry Jeffreys


Testimonials

‘DLA Piper has provided invaluable support to us for a complex and challenging regulated process. The process is relatively new and as such untested, and DLA Piper have guided us through the process, providing legal advice and support to our various submissions (gateways) for regulatory review.’

‘Henry Jeffreys has been wholly supportive by providing legal advice in a straightforward, easy to understand manner on a complicated, unique project. Henry is approachable, flexible, and understands our aims both for the project and as a business. The service and advice he has provided to us is second to none.’

Key clients

4th Industrial (UK) Limited Partnership


Ark Data Centres Limited


East West Rail Company Limited


High Speed Two (HS2) Limited


Manchester Airports Group


Merlin Entertainments


National Grid


National Highways


St James’s Place UK Plc


Wirral Borough Council


Work highlights


  • Advised HS2 on a wide variety of matters, including the first appeal and judicial review under Schedule 17 to the HS2 Act, references to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) in relation to compensation, and the extent of the powers granted by the Act to enable construction of the scheme.
  • Advised National Highways on two major projects – the examination in public of the Greater Manchester joint DPD “Places for Everyone” and the forthcoming DCO submission by Gloucestershire CC of a DCO for Junction 10 improvements on the M5.
  • Advised the National Grid on a number of major schemes, including the proposed Lincolnshire GREEN Development Consent Order and the Cotswolds and North Wessex Visual Improvement Projects.

Rollits LLP

The Hull and York-based planning team at Rollits LLP maintains a strong regional presence through its work on section 106 agreements, Development Consent Orders, and planning contract amendments in connection with residential development projects. The practice is led by Mark Dixon, who is well versed in handling land promotion mandates and also frequently assists with planning appeals and objections. Libby Clarkson is well regarded for her relations with clients in the education and agricultural sectors. Associate Stuart Lumb is a further key contact.

Practice head(s):

Mark Dixon


Other key lawyers:

Libby Clarkson; Stuart Lumb


Key clients

Akkeri Developments Limited


Colten Care Limited


Colten Developments Limited


Cranswick PLC


Eastburn Farms Limited


Lindum Group Limited


Persimmon Homes (Yorkshire)


St Helen’s Farm


Ward Homes Yorkshire Limited


West Ella Holdings Limited


Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs‘ planning team maintains a client roster that encompasses large utility and energy providers, national retailers, local councils and housebuilders. The team’s Leeds office regularly works with contacts across the country to advise on section 106 agreements, planning appeals and public inquiries, and Development Consent Orders for urban regeneration projects, energy schemes and mixed-use developments. The team is led by senior associate David Myers, who is well regarded for his expertise in contentious matters. Senior associate Gemma Newell is also recommended for her ‘superb‘ advice on energy projects.

Practice head(s):

David Myers


Other key lawyers:

Gemma Newell


Testimonials

‘The Leeds team are quick at grasping the issue, bringing effective solutions and providing a comfort factor to difficult problems.’

‘David Myers at the Leeds office is very responsive, intelligent and brings a very friendly approach to what are difficult planning problems.’

‘Gemma Newell is superb. She has particular expertise in necessary wayleave matters. Gemma is organised and has sound judgement. Clients trust her and those in her team love working with her.’

Key clients

Dunmoore Group


Egdon Resources UK Limited


Electricity North West


GP Atkin Homes Limited


Leaf Living PropCo Limited


Leavesley Group


Leeds City Council


Live Nation


National Grid


Northern Gas Networks


Northern Powergrid


Preston City Council


Sp Manweb plc


St Francis Group


Taylor Wimpey UK Limited


The Co-op


Watkin Jones


Wendy’s


Work highlights


  • Advised Scottish Power Manweb PLC on the North Shropshire Reinforcement Development Consent Order.
  • Acted for Electricity North West on a necessary wayleave application for the retention of a 132kV overhead line.
  • Advised Greentech Invest UK (1) Limited on a planning appeal for a solar farm near Telford.