Firms To Watch: Planning and environment

In 2022, Bexley Beaumont recruited Emma Tattersdill from Freeths LLP to lead the firm's planning & environment team, specialising in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, as well as judicial reviews nuisance claims.

Planning and environment in East Midlands

Browne Jacobson LLP

The ‘superbly experiencedBrowne Jacobson LLP works for a wide range of public sector clients, including governmental bodies, local authorities and NHS trusts. The team is skilled at handling all forms of planning and environment matters such as consent orders, energy projects and environmental law. Laura Hughes has a particular specialism in nature conservation matters, while Richard Barlow handles a variety of high profile planning cases. Ben Standing specialises in the negotiation of complex section 106 agreements and applications for major development projects. Andrew Hopkin leads the firm’s criminal compliance and regulatory team, prosecuting a number of prominent environmental cases.

Practice head(s):

Richard Barlow; Laura Hughes; Ben Standing


Other key lawyers:

Dmitrije Sirovica; Jonathan Allen; Victoria Searle; Andrew Hopkin


Testimonials

‘Richard Barlow, who leads the team and is immensely capable and as importantly a very skilful manager of clients expectations.’

‘Clarity of thought, integrity, professionalism.’

‘Richard Barlow is outstanding – Deep environmental knowledge, energy & enthusiasm, wisdom & integrity.’

‘Regional firm that punches above its weight in this category.’

‘Richard Barlow is vastly experienced and very knowledgeable in this field.’

Key clients

Inland Ltd


Welsh Government


Canal & River Trust


First State Investments


Thurrock Council


Homes England


Mace Dragados JV


Boots UK Ltd


Platform Housing Ltd


London Borough of Croydon


Inspired Villages


Freeths LLP

The planning team at Freeths LLP is best known for its work concerning the residential care sector, large scale mixed-use development and urban developments on behalf of a number of blue-chip clients. Other areas of expertise include roadside services developments, industrial development and local planning authority advice. National panning and environment head Paul Brailsford specialises in large scale complex mixed use proposals and contentious residential developments. Mark Bassett is experienced in planning consultancy for large scale urban extensions. Emma Tattersdill left the firm in 2022 to join Bexley Beaumont.

Practice head(s):

Paul Brailsford; Mark Basset


Other key lawyers:

Louise Burnett


Testimonials

‘The Planning team lead by Paul Brailsford are extremely knowledgeable, easy to work with and have a very successful track record. I have worked with them on a number of complex projects and highly recommend them.’

‘Paul Brailsford is the stand out person. he gets involved every step of the planning journey and is an excellent communicator.’

‘The team have a unique understanding of commerciality and the complexities of the planning system therefore ensuring they get the best result for their clients.’

‘Paul Brailsford – Planning Team Leader is an outstanding performer in the field. He uses his in depth knowledge to guide the project team to produce exactly what is required to bring about a successful result. A thorough professional in his approach and backed up by a specialist team to work on Statutory Agreements as part of the process.’

‘Very knowledgeable, pragmatic and quick turnaround on work.’

‘They are certainly confident in front of planners which can be a key advantage where you might be up against it.’

Key clients

Genesis Homes


Padley Group


Welcome Break


ALB Group


Tarmac


Hallam Land


Keepmoat


Allison Homes


Larkfleet Group


Freshwater Group of Companies


Boutique Care Homes


Lindum


Hallmark Care Homes/Savista


Principle Care Homes


Country Court Care Homes


Euro Garages


Carta Real Estate


Commercial Development Projects


GMS Estates


Leicester City Council


Derby City Council


Waverley District Council


West Northamptonshire Council


EM Lawshare Consortium of Local Authorities


Rula Developments


Saint Gobain


CL:AIRE (Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments)


Travis Perkins Group of Companies


The Tarmac group of companies


Yorkshire Water


Novartis


Newton Nottingham Limited


Johnson Aggregates


Newcastle Borough Council


Work highlights


  • Advising ALB Group/High Road Developments on the redevelopment of the former Central College site, Beeston, Nottinghamshire.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP is instructed by some of the biggest developers and local authorities in the East Midlands on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including complex section 106 agreements and due diligence for major corporate and real estate transactions. Paul Wakefield leads the planning team in the Nottingham and Derby offices, where he has significant experience in the management of planning applications and appeals for both public and private sector clients. Recent partner promotion Kylie Wesson is experienced in judicial reviews and statutory challenges, while Julie Russell has a strong track record dealing with large scale infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Simon Stanion; Paul Wakefield


Other key lawyers:

Kylie Wesson; Julie Russell


Testimonials

‘Paul is my ‘go to’ Planner of choice. The breadth of knowledge is vast, his calm and patient explanation of the law is confidence building and he gets results.’

‘The team has a strong experience in large, nationally significant infrastructure projects. This is a unique and complicated field of planning practice and their skills and experience have greatly helped my Local Authority tackle the challenges of development of this scale.’

‘Julie Russell is really good at keeping up to date with the progress of applications, providing example representations for us to work from, and did an excellent job of gauging the Officer and Member attitudes towards a large scale development. She quickly consolidated large volumes of material into a concise response.’

‘Shakespeare Martineau Planning and environment team are always available and their advice is second to none. They provide free CPD Webiners on complex subjects through their partnership with Marrons Planning provide a full suite of legal planning services.’

Key clients

Gallagher Estates Limited


Allison Homes Limited


Platform Homes Limited


Court BD Limited


The Lindhurst Group


Rainier Developments


Rutland County Council


Manor Oak Homes


BDW Trading Limited


Blaby District Council


Severn Trent Green Power


Everards Brewery Ltd


Jessup Partnerships Limited


Chevin Homes (Derby) Limited


Charles Jordan (Swan Courtyard) Limited


Strata Homes Limited


Jeakins Weir Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for L&Q Estates in negotiating a Section 106 Agreement in relation to land at Cawston, Rugby, which will deliver the first phase of a development eventually comprising 5000 dwellings and 35 hectares of employment land.
  • Acting for Court BD Limited in negotiating a Section 106 Agreement required in support of an application for a 46 storey build to rent scheme in Birmingham city centre, housing 581 residential units.
  • Advised BDW Trading Limited on a development parcel at Alconbury Weald, Huntingdonshire, which forms part of a wider mixed use development which included consent for up to 5,000 dwellings.

Roythornes Solicitors

With experience in matters ranging from small bespoke development schemes to large scale infrastructure projects, the planning and environment team at Roythornes Solicitors specialises in advising on all aspects of planning and highways law, including on contentious planning litigation, compulsory purchase matters and judicial review. Shruti Trivedi leads the team with expertise in the drafting and negotiating of complex planning, highway and infrastructure agreements, as well as judicial reviews.

Practice head(s):

Shruti Trivedi


Other key lawyers:

Louise Clifton


Testimonials

‘Shruti Trevidi When Shruti is in charge, I always feel comfortable that the project will complete in a timely fashion and with buildable, commercially aware and viable outcomes.’

‘Roythornes planning team are very engaging and collaborate well with other businesses in the local area.’

‘There is great strength in depth within the team from partners down to the newer members. They really take time to manage their clients well and this shows in the quality of the briefs. Very knowledgeable, responsive and well placed in the local market.’

‘Shruti Trivedi is a fantastic partner – she manages a diverse range of clients with real skill. Always responsive and on top of the detail in her cases.’

Key clients

Allison Homes Limited


Allison Homes SW Limited


Ashley King (Development) Limited


Boningale Homes Limited


Boston & Fosdyke Fishing Society Limited


Chevin Homes


Countryside PLC / Vistry Partnerships


Croftmarsh Limited


Elan Homes Limited


Elveden Estates Limited


Gilbert & Goode Limited


Grace Machin Planning & Property


Hamilton Russell


Lagan Homes Limited


Longhurst Group Limited


Owl Homes Limited


Partner Construction Limited


Piper Homes Limited


Rose Homes Limited


Persimmon Homes Limited


Tarmac Aggregates Limited


Tarmac Services Limited


Tarmac Trading Limited


Tilia Homes Limited (formerly Kier)


Work highlights


  • Advising Croftmarsh Limited in relation to a Local Development Order brough forward by East Lindsey District Council, namely the Skegness Gateway which will include the provisions of circa1,000 residential dwellings, a school, local centres, large parcels of employment space as well as supported living accommodation.
  • Advising Elveden Estate Limited in relation to strategic planning for their circa 10,000 acre estate, including input into the emerging West Suffolk Local Plan.
  • Advising Boningale Homes on a wide array of planning issues including advice on assisting the client to have various of its sites allocated in the emerging South Staffordshire Local Plan.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

The planning and infrastructure team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is regularly involved in high profile local and national development projects, particularly those requiring development consent. Laura-Beth Hutton is experienced with major development schemes and large infrastructure projects, including the securing and implementing of compulsory acquisition matters. Karen Mutton works across all aspects of planning and consenting regimes with a particular focus on renewable energy. Paul Maile leads the team from Birmingham.

Practice head(s):

Paul Maile


Other key lawyers:

Laura-Beth Hutton; Karen Mutton


Key clients

Tritax Symmetry (Hinckley) Limited


RWE Renewables UK Limited


AWG Holdings Limited


High Speed Two (HS2) Limited


INRG Solar (Little Crow) Ltd


SEGRO Plc


L&G Senior Living


Statkraft UK Ltd


EDF Energy Ltd


Taylor Wimpey


Howes Percival LLP

The planning team at Howes Percival LLP works for a client list containing volume national house builders and land promoters, as well as large corporate commercial entities. The team has worked on a number of high profile court cases related to judicial review and statutory challenges. Practice head Paul Hunt is experienced in High Court proceedings and appeals for housing developments. Chris May is skilled in the co-ordination of development proposals.

Practice head(s):

Paul Hunt


Other key lawyers:

Chris May; Sarah Hollis


Testimonials

‘Always very helpful and have useful insights into planning law related issues.’

‘The team offer topical legal updates which are incredibly useful in an ever changing planning context. They are always approachable and helpful.they always make you feel like you are their only client and will make time for you.’

‘Chris May is always on hand to provide his thoughts and I value substantially his reliability and creative thinking. His ability to collaborate positively with me and my team is impressive so we can jointly deliver challenging projects for clients. He is my first point of contact for any specialist planning law advice and support.’

‘As a whole, the team work well together providing a strong level of knowledge within the planning and environment sector. The CPD sessions they run are also invaluable.’

‘Chris May – Chris has assisted on a number of projects, most recently an appeal, which no task was too great or small in order to progress and get us the decision we needed. He is always available to discuss matters and takes genuine pride in his work.’

‘Paul Hunt – No question is too much for Paul to answer, he seems to know every shred of planning law there is and can provide advice off the top of his head. He is also very considerate in how he provides solutions taking into account the goals and aims of our business.’

‘Sarah Hollis – Sarah is a valuable member of the team who is always on hand to support the partners during appeals and larger tasks. She is also very approachable and responds in a timely manner.’

Key clients

CODE Student Ltd


Vistry Partnerships Limited


Kler Group Limited


Anchor Hanover Group


CVS Group Plc


Mulberry Property Development Limited


Sowden Group Limited


Persimmon Homes (North Midlands) Limited


FPC (Banbury) Limited


Kaplan Property Group


Davidsons Developments Limited


Hazelton Homes (Midlands) Limited


Countryside Properties (WPL) Limited


Hampton Brooks


Langton Homes


Fisher German


Summix Ltd


Moto Hospitality Ltd


Christchurch Properties Ltd


Persimmon Homes (East Midlands)


Jelson Ltd


Parker Strategic Land Ltd


CJC Development Company Ltd


Grace Homes Ltd


Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd


Persimmon Suffolk


HNC Developments LLP


HGT Developments LLP


Windermere Capital Ltd


Palmer-Tomkinson Trust


Venture Property Group Limited


Edenstone Homes Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising Davidson Developments on securing a grant of planning permission for a new garden village north of Birstall , Leicester, including 1950 houses, a care village, 15 hectares of employment land, retail centre and a new primary school
  • Representing a developer in proceedings in the High Court – Business and Property Court seeking a declaratory judgement as to the rights to connect a multi-million pound railway bridge to a highway and the rights of the owner of the land where the highway is located, to block such a connection without payment of compensation.
  • Acting on behalf of multiple landowners in respect of a housing lead SUE including 650 dwellings and a new primary school site, local centre and community facilities at Wigston, South Leicester.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP acts for a range of public sector bodies, corporate clients and housebuilders on a variety of building and infrastructure matters with a particular focus on the living sector. The team also has considerable expertise in planning litigation. This contentious work is led by Tim Willis, who handles judicial review, statutory challenges and planning enforcement matters. Stuart Tym works on major strategic development work, while Will Thomas has a strong track record with section 106 agreements.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Tym


Other key lawyers:

Tim Willis; Will Thomas


Testimonials

‘Stuart Tym and Will Thomas led the Shoosmiths Planning team delivering sound and decisive advice across a broad spectrum of key matters to inform the clients of a succinct response and give consideration to wider more sensitive outcomes that the instructing clients wished to achieve.’

Key clients

Boots UK Limited


Maximus Strategic Land Limited


Walsall Housing Group Limited


Parker Strategic Land Limited


Richborough Estates


Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames


Persimmon Homes Limited


Safestore Properties Limited


Romo Holdings Limited


Churchill Retirement Living Limited


Central England Co-operative Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Boots UK Limited in the negotiation of the section 106 Agreement for the development of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, a landmark scheme for the construction of 900,000 sq ft of commercial space and up to 675 new homes adjacent to Boot’s UK headquarters.
  • Acted for Maximus Strategic Land in securing planning permission for a new urban extension of 2000 dwellings in Stafford.
  • Acting for Walsall Housing Group in a successful planning appeal for 29 dwellings in Walsall with a full award of costs given in favour of the client.