Francis Taylor Building has ‘extraordinary strength-in-depth with a wealth of talented barristers’ and are ‘the top planning and compulsory purchase set in London.’ The set is known for its infrastructure expertise and is involved in various transport and energy projects. Hereward Phillpot QC leads Hugh Flanagan and Daisy Noble to promote the nationally significant infrastructure project, the proposed 3.2GW Sizewell C nuclear power station on behalf of EDF. The set has also been involved in high-profile planning inquiries and have expertise in the heritage sector; Douglas Edwards QC and Charles Streeten represented Westminster County Council in the inquiry concerning proposals to construct a Holocaust memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens. Melissa Murphy QC acted for The National Trust at the Court of Appeal on a case relating to the proposed redevelopment of Bramshill House, a Grade I Jacobean mansion and Grade I registered parkland. In October 2021 Kate Olley joined from Landmark Chambers.
Planning in
London BarFrancis Taylor Building
Testimonials
Set
‘These chambers have extraordinary strength-in-depth with a wealth of talented barristers. It covers all areas of law but is particularly strong on planning and environmental matters. There is always someone available at the right level of expertise and seniority to assist. I have worked with several QC’s and junior barristers from these Chambers and they are all on top of their game.’
‘FTB have an abundance of talent, and when counsel of choice is unavailable we have never been disappointed with the alternatives offered.’
‘FTB is an excellent set for planning, environment and local government, and is developing stronger expertise in broader public law work. There are very good barristers at all levels in chambers.’
‘Francis Taylor Building is my first choice set. I have worked with circa 10 barristers (mix of juniors and silks) and have consistently received a great service. I know that whatever the subject matter, there will be a barrister with the requisite expertise and/or experience.’
‘FTB are the top Planning and Compulsory Purchase set in London. From Senior Silks to Juniors they have tremendous strength in dept, so it is surprising that their top Juniors are not Silks already.’
Clerking
‘I found the clerks extremely helpful over lockdown in helping to manage our first virtual planning inquiry, from managing set up, providing rooms, helping with technology and always being on hand to ensure it ran smoothly. The clerks offer a quick and effective service.’
‘The clerks are very good – reliable and communicative – especially James Kemp the deputy senior clerk. The facilities at FTB are excellent.’
‘I have found clerks to be approachable and prompt at responding to queries.’
‘Responsive clerks who will work hard to accommodate what a case requires.’
‘First class service. Attentive and flexible.’
Landmark Chambers
Landmark Chambers ‘remains at the forefront of the Planning bar’, with clerks and a ‘stunning array of experienced QCs and junior barristers’ who are ‘always prepared to go the extra mile’. The set has expertise across all areas of planning, with members consistently featuring on major inquiries across the country, promoting urban extensions, mixed-use developments and tall buildings, with particular skill in acting on significant and controversial projects. Neil Cameron QC represented the City of London in the Tulip inquiry, concerning a proposal for a new 305m high tourist attraction to be built next to 30 St Mary Axe (commonly known as the Gherkin). Separately, Gwion Lewis QC, led by Sasha White QC acted for the local planning authority in Tower Hamlets BC v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, a £1.5bn development scheme on the Isle of Dogs, whilst Paul Brown QC acted for the developer. At the Court of Appeal, Richard Moules represented the Secretary of State in Monkhill Limited v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, concerning the National Planning Policy Framework and the interpretation the paragraph 11 presumption in favour of sustainable development. In October 2021 Kate Olley moved to Francis Taylor Building.
Testimonials
Set
‘Landmark is a very strong planning chambers with counsel who are knowledgeable and have their finger on the pulse of everything happening in the planning world. Their counsel are on the ball and always very approachable and easy to work with.’
‘A go-to planning set, with clerks and counsel that are always prepared to go the extra mile.’
‘Landmark is the leading planning set and boasts a stunning array of experienced QCs and junior barristers. I have worked with the set since it was established and know many of the barristers well.’
‘Landmark is one of the premier chambers for claimant planning and environmental law work. The quality of counsel is consistent and is highly regarded.’
‘Landmark remains at the forefront of the planning bar and their outreach in terms of reputation and thought leadership is second to none.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are very approachable and aware of the common constraints that claimants encounter.’
‘The Landmark clerks are usually very responsive and engaging when need be, differentiating and prioritising urgent matters where necessary.’
‘The clerks are always available to assist with urgent requests and have adapted well to receiving large bundles of documents electronically and ensuring papers are passed onto counsel efficiently.’
‘Excellent. I thought the service we received was efficient and responsive. I felt the invoices were accurate and reasonable.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is ‘excellent’, with a deep bench of ‘top-notch’ QCs and juniors. The set has significant expertise across planning, environment and public law, providing clients a wide offering under one roof. Members have been instructed on the full range of planning inquiries, from the development of airports to the regeneration of urban areas. Richard Wald QC and Paul Stinchcombe QC represented individuals from Stop Stansted Expansion campaign in the ongoing public inquiry to major developments at the airport – it is the first case on the proper interpretation of the definition of aviation-related nationally significant infrastructure projects; Thomas Hill QC and Philippa Jackson act for Stansted Airport. John Steel QC represents Jockey Club Racecourses in proceedings concerning its proposed redevelopment of Sandown Park Racecourse, which sits on ‘green belt’ land; the project will include housing on part of the site.
Testimonials
Set
‘A good set. I always approach them for planning matters. Great training programme, very responsive clerks always offer a range of Counsel in terms of seniors and juniors. Easy to work with.’
‘I have found that this set has a very deep bench. The QCs and the juniors are top-notch.’
’39 Essex is an excellent chambers and I have worked with a number of barristers through the years. They are my go-to chambers.’
‘Strong set of chambers with a number of stand-out planning barristers.’
‘The best planning set – I always use them. Reliable, affordable, intelligent and commercial.’
Clerking
‘Andy Poyser is excellent ambassador for his chambers.’
‘The clerks are very responsive and excellent at arranging schedules so that the client has a very good experience.’
‘I have always found the clerks to be courteous, efficient and helpful.’
‘Faultless clerking – prompt, efficient and attentive.’
‘Superb. They consistently offer a first-class service.’
Cornerstone Barristers
Cornerstone Barristers advises a range of clients throughout various stages of a planning case. Its planning expertise is complemented by in-depth sector knowledge in related areas including public law, property, energy and local government law. Richard Ground QC successfully represented Hounslow council in Starbones Ltd v Secretary of State, a High Court challenge following a public inquiry into the proposal for the Chiswick Curve, which would be West London's tallest building if constructed. Also of note, Philip Coppel QC, along with Asitha Ranatunga represented Uttlesford District Council in a dispute after its refusal to grant permission for enabling Stansted Airport’s development to allow an increase in passenger throughput. On issues concerning landscape and heritage, Thomas Cosgrove QC succeeded in winning an appeal for Hunstowe Land Ltd for a major housing development in Braintree, which fell in open countryside and was contrary to policy. Unled, Ashley Bowes represented the initial claimant in R (Corbett) v Cornwall Council which dealt with a fundamental planning legislation principle: when a is proposal ‘in accordance with’ the development plan for the purposes of s38(6) Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 – it is now the leading authority on these issues; James Findlay QC - who is also a Scottish advocate and a member of Terra Firma Chambers in Edinburgh - acted for Cornwall County Council.
Testimonials
Clerking
‘All of the clerks that I have dealt with at Cornerstone Barristers are very helpful, very pleasant and very organised.’
Six Pump Court
‘Excellent, friendly’ Six Pump Court provides ‘first rate’ advice on a range of planning matters, with criminal and regulatory expertise to complement its strengths in planning. Megan Thomas QC, a 2021 silk appointment, successfully represented Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in a judicial review of its decision to grant planning permission for retirement living apartments near a busy crossroads. Amongst the juniors, Giles Atkinson represented the local council in R (oao Patricia Shave) v Maidstone Borough Council, which explored the design or appearance of caravans, whose siting and retention would be authorised by permitting the change of use of land.
Testimonials
Set
‘I have found working with this Chambers most successful and pleasant.’
‘I have worked with other Counsel in this Chambers and always been guided to Counsel with the specialist knowledge and advice/assistance sought.’
‘Good strength in depth and they hold interesting seminars.’
‘This is an excellent, friendly set who are always keen to assist where possible, and to offer alternative counsel where a preferred barrister is unavailable. The advice has always been first rate.’
Clerking
‘The clerk’s room service is first class, always pleasant and willing to help.’
‘The service provided by the clerk’s room has always been of a high standard – prompt, polite and helpful in the extreme’
‘Ryan Barrow is very good and deals with issues in a timely expeditious fashion.’
‘All clerks are through and very personable.’
Francis Taylor Building
Testimonials
Set
‘These chambers have extraordinary strength-in-depth with a wealth of talented barristers. It covers all areas of law but is particularly strong on planning and environmental matters. There is always someone available at the right level of expertise and seniority to assist. I have worked with several QC’s and junior barristers from these Chambers and they are all on top of their game.’
‘FTB have an abundance of talent, and when counsel of choice is unavailable we have never been disappointed with the alternatives offered.’
‘FTB is an excellent set for planning, environment and local government, and is developing stronger expertise in broader public law work. There are very good barristers at all levels in chambers.’
‘Francis Taylor Building is my first choice set. I have worked with circa 10 barristers (mix of juniors and silks) and have consistently received a great service. I know that whatever the subject matter, there will be a barrister with the requisite expertise and/or experience.’
‘FTB are the top Planning and Compulsory Purchase set in London. From Senior Silks to Juniors they have tremendous strength in dept, so it is surprising that their top Juniors are not Silks already.’
Clerking
‘I found the clerks extremely helpful over lockdown in helping to manage our first virtual planning inquiry, from managing set up, providing rooms, helping with technology and always being on hand to ensure it ran smoothly. The clerks offer a quick and effective service.’
‘The clerks are very good – reliable and communicative – especially James Kemp the deputy senior clerk. The facilities at FTB are excellent.’
‘I have found clerks to be approachable and prompt at responding to queries.’
‘Responsive clerks who will work hard to accommodate what a case requires.’
‘First class service. Attentive and flexible.’
Landmark Chambers
Landmark Chambers ‘remains at the forefront of the Planning bar’, with clerks and a ‘stunning array of experienced QCs and junior barristers’ who are ‘always prepared to go the extra mile’. The set has expertise across all areas of planning, with members consistently featuring on major inquiries across the country, promoting urban extensions, mixed-use developments and tall buildings, with particular skill in acting on significant and controversial projects. Neil Cameron QC represented the City of London in the Tulip inquiry, concerning a proposal for a new 305m high tourist attraction to be built next to 30 St Mary Axe (commonly known as the Gherkin). Separately, Gwion Lewis QC, led by Sasha White QC acted for the local planning authority in Tower Hamlets BC v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, a £1.5bn development scheme on the Isle of Dogs, whilst Paul Brown QC acted for the developer. At the Court of Appeal, Richard Moules represented the Secretary of State in Monkhill Limited v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, concerning the National Planning Policy Framework and the interpretation the paragraph 11 presumption in favour of sustainable development. In October 2021 Kate Olley moved to Francis Taylor Building.
Testimonials
Set
‘Landmark is a very strong planning chambers with counsel who are knowledgeable and have their finger on the pulse of everything happening in the planning world. Their counsel are on the ball and always very approachable and easy to work with.’
‘A go-to planning set, with clerks and counsel that are always prepared to go the extra mile.’
‘Landmark is the leading planning set and boasts a stunning array of experienced QCs and junior barristers. I have worked with the set since it was established and know many of the barristers well.’
‘Landmark is one of the premier chambers for claimant planning and environmental law work. The quality of counsel is consistent and is highly regarded.’
‘Landmark remains at the forefront of the planning bar and their outreach in terms of reputation and thought leadership is second to none.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are very approachable and aware of the common constraints that claimants encounter.’
‘The Landmark clerks are usually very responsive and engaging when need be, differentiating and prioritising urgent matters where necessary.’
‘The clerks are always available to assist with urgent requests and have adapted well to receiving large bundles of documents electronically and ensuring papers are passed onto counsel efficiently.’
‘Excellent. I thought the service we received was efficient and responsive. I felt the invoices were accurate and reasonable.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is ‘excellent’, with a deep bench of ‘top-notch’ QCs and juniors. The set has significant expertise across planning, environment and public law, providing clients a wide offering under one roof. Members have been instructed on the full range of planning inquiries, from the development of airports to the regeneration of urban areas. Richard Wald QC and Paul Stinchcombe QC represented individuals from Stop Stansted Expansion campaign in the ongoing public inquiry to major developments at the airport – it is the first case on the proper interpretation of the definition of aviation-related nationally significant infrastructure projects; Thomas Hill QC and Philippa Jackson act for Stansted Airport. John Steel QC represents Jockey Club Racecourses in proceedings concerning its proposed redevelopment of Sandown Park Racecourse, which sits on ‘green belt’ land; the project will include housing on part of the site.
Testimonials
Set
‘A good set. I always approach them for planning matters. Great training programme, very responsive clerks always offer a range of Counsel in terms of seniors and juniors. Easy to work with.’
‘I have found that this set has a very deep bench. The QCs and the juniors are top-notch.’
’39 Essex is an excellent chambers and I have worked with a number of barristers through the years. They are my go-to chambers.’
‘Strong set of chambers with a number of stand-out planning barristers.’
‘The best planning set – I always use them. Reliable, affordable, intelligent and commercial.’
Clerking
‘Andy Poyser is excellent ambassador for his chambers.’
‘The clerks are very responsive and excellent at arranging schedules so that the client has a very good experience.’
‘I have always found the clerks to be courteous, efficient and helpful.’
‘Faultless clerking – prompt, efficient and attentive.’
‘Superb. They consistently offer a first-class service.’
Cornerstone Barristers
Cornerstone Barristers advises a range of clients throughout various stages of a planning case. Its planning expertise is complemented by in-depth sector knowledge in related areas including public law, property, energy and local government law. Richard Ground QC successfully represented Hounslow council in Starbones Ltd v Secretary of State, a High Court challenge following a public inquiry into the proposal for the Chiswick Curve, which would be West London's tallest building if constructed. Also of note, Philip Coppel QC, along with Asitha Ranatunga represented Uttlesford District Council in a dispute after its refusal to grant permission for enabling Stansted Airport’s development to allow an increase in passenger throughput. On issues concerning landscape and heritage, Thomas Cosgrove QC succeeded in winning an appeal for Hunstowe Land Ltd for a major housing development in Braintree, which fell in open countryside and was contrary to policy. Unled, Ashley Bowes represented the initial claimant in R (Corbett) v Cornwall Council which dealt with a fundamental planning legislation principle: when a is proposal ‘in accordance with’ the development plan for the purposes of s38(6) Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 – it is now the leading authority on these issues; James Findlay QC - who is also a Scottish advocate and a member of Terra Firma Chambers in Edinburgh - acted for Cornwall County Council.
Testimonials
Clerking
‘All of the clerks that I have dealt with at Cornerstone Barristers are very helpful, very pleasant and very organised.’
Six Pump Court
‘Excellent, friendly’ Six Pump Court provides ‘first rate’ advice on a range of planning matters, with criminal and regulatory expertise to complement its strengths in planning. Megan Thomas QC, a 2021 silk appointment, successfully represented Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in a judicial review of its decision to grant planning permission for retirement living apartments near a busy crossroads. Amongst the juniors, Giles Atkinson represented the local council in R (oao Patricia Shave) v Maidstone Borough Council, which explored the design or appearance of caravans, whose siting and retention would be authorised by permitting the change of use of land.
Testimonials
Set
‘I have found working with this Chambers most successful and pleasant.’
‘I have worked with other Counsel in this Chambers and always been guided to Counsel with the specialist knowledge and advice/assistance sought.’
‘Good strength in depth and they hold interesting seminars.’
‘This is an excellent, friendly set who are always keen to assist where possible, and to offer alternative counsel where a preferred barrister is unavailable. The advice has always been first rate.’
Clerking
‘The clerk’s room service is first class, always pleasant and willing to help.’
‘The service provided by the clerk’s room has always been of a high standard – prompt, polite and helpful in the extreme’
‘Ryan Barrow is very good and deals with issues in a timely expeditious fashion.’
‘All clerks are through and very personable.’