39 Essex Chambers is of ‘exceptionally high quality‘ and serves as a ‘one-stop shop‘ for clients seeking advice on a wide variety of planning matters. The members of the set display a huge ‘breadth of experience and quality‘ when advising on redevelopments, airport expansions, and infrastructure projects. James Strachan KC acted for CEG Land Promotions III (UK) Ltd in a significant statutory challenge to Harrogate’s local plan for a new settlement in Flaxby Park Ltd v Harrogate BC & CEG; moreover, Strachan KC and Victoria Hutton, instructed by HS2 Ltd, successfully defended injunction proceedings and a judicial review against the grant of a protected species license by Natural England in the High Court. James Burton acted as sole counsel to RB Kingston upon Thames in a four week planning inquiry concerning the Tolworth Tower complex and the aspects relating to dwelling mix and viability. A number of members acted in Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site Ltd v Secretary of State for Transport, Richard Harwood KC and Christiaan Zwart acted for Historic England, whilst Strachan KC appeared for the Secretary of State for Transport, and Hutton represented a consortium of archeologists called Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site. The case involved challenging the Secretary of State’s controversial grant of a development consent order for the construction of a tunnel beneath Stonehenge.
Planning in
London Bar39 Essex Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘This is my go to set for planning, environmental and admin law. They have excellent depth and are a one-stop shop for planning and environment work’
‘Wonderfully inclusive and collaborative set of chambers who nurture real talent- a real extension of the team.’
‘It is one of the principal planning sets the bar and is of exceptionally high quality. Its clerks are generally recognised to be some of if not the best at the Planning Bar and the breadth of experience and quality of its barristers is at the highest level.’
’39 Essex is a market leading planning set. It has excellent strength in depth, from silks through to juniors. Whenever I have instructed them, I have always felt confident as to their experience and expertise.’
’39 Essex is a stand out chambers for public and planning law. They really excel in this field.’
Clerking
‘Andy Poyser is the King of Clerks -he is supremely knowledgeable and knows his barristers’ CVs and experience inside out.’
”The clerks’ room is generally very strong, and excellent at processing instructions.’
‘Fantastic, professional, and friendly clerks are always available to assist.’
‘Clerking at 39 is always responsive, friendly and obliging. Andrew Poyser is the best clerk at the bar. He leads some very good junior clerks who are quickly learning the ropes.’
Work highlights
Six Pump Court
Six Pump Court provides a ‘personal standard of care’ and hosts ‘excellent advocates at all levels’ who advise on a full spectrum of planning matters, complemented by additional regulatory and criminal expertise. Over the past year, Robert Griffiths KC acted in Appeal by Island Gas Ltd, Ellesmere Port, a significant public inquiry which examined the interconnection between climate change and shale gas development. Anne Williams appeared at an planning inquiry on behalf of Christ Hospital School concerning a multi-million pound project which is supported by Sports England.
Testimonials
Set
‘Six Pump Court has a real strength and depth of quality counsel for planning and public law matters, from top silks to new pupils, there are excellent advocates at all levels.’
‘Six Pump Court is small enough to give a personal standard of care, and large enough to offer a range of advocates to suit your case.’
‘This is a very friendly chambers with outstanding members who are always willing to help.’
Clerking
‘The clerking at this set is very good. In terms of timeliness of responses and assistance to those instructing they are as good as it gets.’
‘The clerks at 6 Pump Court are very responsive and helpful.’
‘The clerks should be regarded as a particular strength of these chambers, they are always dealing with matters promptly and professionally, and with great client care.’
‘The clerks are always extremely helpful and friendly, and adopt a ‘can-do’ approach. Ryan Barrow and Richard Constable are very personable and always provide an excellent service.’
Work highlights
Cornerstone Barristers
The ‘fantastic range of barristers’ at Cornerstone Barristers use their ‘excellent skills and expertise in the planning law field’ to advise a variety of clients on a full scope of cases. The chambers utilises its extensive sector knowledge of public law, energy, property, and local government law to bolster its planning offering. Michael Bedford KC acted for Suffolk CC in the Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station DCO Examination, concerning the eponymous power plant. In addition to this, Richard Ground KC successfully represented Twickenham Studios in the Twickenham Film Studios Arlington Works Planning Inquiry regarding a scheme which endangered the future of the historic film studio. Thomas Cosgrove KC successfully defended a judicial review claim for Mid Suffolk DC regarding an attempt which sought to quash planning permission for a 300-dwelling scheme in Ewans v Mid Suffolk DC. Wayne Beglan acted for Hackney Council in a series of cases which involved a judicial review, an appeal to the Court of Appeal, and an eight day planning inquiry appeal; the string of matters ultimately concerned prohibitory and mandatory injunctions against art installations which were installed at commercial premises.
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone have a good group of barristers with excellent skills and expertise in the planning law field. I would not hesitate to instruct any of their specialists in this field.’
‘Cornerstone Barristers have always been my go to, having worked with a variey of barristers within the chambers, each assisting with different aspects of planning and being able to support whichever case they are required.’
‘The level of experience amongst it members is very impressive. I have had the opportunity to work with other barristers in the same chambers and have found them to all be knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘Cornerstone has a fantastic range of barristers, from silks to junior juniors, who are regularly instructed in some of the biggest and notable planning cases.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are all friendly, very approachable and efficient.’
‘The clerks at Cornerstone are particularly strong in their communication, and have always ensured a timely response.’
‘The clerks provide a fantastic service, and are extremely reliable and easy to work with.’
Work highlights
Francis Taylor Building
Francis Taylor Building is ‘excellent, with considerable strength in depth‘ when it comes to planning matters, with members who are ‘second to none and excellent to work with‘. Known for their expertise in infrastructure, members advise on energy projects, highways, and residential schemes. Melissa Murphy KC successfully acted for the Mayor of London in West Ferry Printworks, a politically divisive public inquiry concerning the impact the redevelopment scheme would have on the setting of Tower Bridge, in addition to complex viability matters. Michael Humphries KC and Mark Westmoreland Smith appeared for EfW Group Ltd in the Wheelabrator DCO Challenge against the Secretary of State’s decision to grant consent for an extension to an energy from waste project, but to withhold consent for a new one. Hereward Phillpot KC acted for BP in the promotion of Net Zero Teesside, a carbon capture and storage scheme of national importance. Saira Kabir Sheikh KC acted for the appellants, and Charles Streeten for the respondent, in Ikram v Secretary of State for Housing and Communities & Another at the Court of Appeal. The case confirmed that the permitted use of land must be limited to the use which was applied for; the appellants sought to reverse the decision to quash planning permission for the use of land as a mosque.
Testimonials
Set
‘They have enormous strength in depth, and are a top set in the field. I would be confident in recommending this set to my most important clients. They are always thinking ahead to how this field of law might evolve and change.’
‘Having worked with many members of the FTB set, I have found them to be excellent, with considerable strength in depth in planning matters, which they specialise in. They are always my go-to set.’
‘FTB is the top set of chambers for planning with some really excellent barristers.’
‘Francis Taylor Building are known as the leading Chambers for infrastructure planning work for a reason, they have the most experienced and generally most skilled barristers in this area of work. This applies equally to the KCs and also to the juniors in chambers. In particular, the juniors are very confident in their work and provide a very good and timely service.’
‘I have worked with FTB for decades and have found their planning barristers to be second to none and excellent to work with.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are particularly good and user-friendly. Uniquely amongst clerks at the sets we use they are also commercial in their business development activities and are willing to explore opportunities for collaboration and work referrals.’
‘Friendly, accessible and proactive. Dealing with them is a great experience.’
‘The Clerks are always helpful, responsive and very efficient.’
‘Very attentive clerks. Great to work with. Paul Coveney is very down to earth and goes out of his way to ensure a consistent excellent service.’
Work highlights
Landmark Chambers
‘Pre-eminent planning set’ Landmark Chambers is home to an ‘unrivalled breadth of talent’ as exhibited by its ‘highly impressive’ clerks, ‘heavyweight silks with outstanding capabilities’, and skilled junior barristers. The members display ‘great strength in depth’ across all areas of planning law, featuring heavily in significant inquiries, and promoting new towns and urban extensions in addition to mixed-use developments across the country. In the past year, Dan Kolinsky KC represented LB Southwark in R (Flynn) v LB Southwark, successfully defending the challenge against a major regeneration project to replace the Elephant & Castle shopping centre at first instance and in the Court of Appeal. David Elvin KC represented Raycliff Whitechapel in the Whitechapel Bell Foundry call-in inquiry, which involved consideration of heritage benefits contrasted with harms regarding the restoration and refurbishment proposals for the former bell foundry. Anjoli Foster successfully represented Brighton and Hove CC in the Brighton Marina inquiry which concerned the opposition to a major redevelopment, whilst Matthew Fraser represented the Whitstable Oyster Company in their appeal against an enforcement notice requiring the removal of metal trestles for oyster cultivation.
Testimonials
Set
‘A first class set for all planning and environmental work; they are a permanent go-to, and have been for over a decade. Peerless.’
‘Landmark are the go-to set for planning law. Great strength in depth across all levels.’
‘Landmark Chambers is the pre-eminent planning set. It has an extraordinary, unrivalled breadth of talent showcased in its extensive range of heavyweight silk with outstanding capabilities, supported by a large team of skilled juniors, rendering it unbeatable in its field.’
‘Landmark is an excellent chambers. The depth and range of its counsel is impressive. They are planning experts and work tirelessly to further the debate and clarify legal issues in the planning arena.’
Clerking
‘The clerks at Landmark are fantastic. They are willing and able to assist with all matters and respond quickly and efficiently.’
‘The clerks are extremely impressive. They provide a very efficient service and are always a pleasure to deal with. Mike Gooch, in particular, is exemplary; he is so responsive and unfailingly helpful.’
‘The clerking is highly impressive. Nothing is too much trouble. The clerks are well-versed in planning procedures. They always respond very quickly, are helpful and good humoured. Kevin Squires is one of the most experienced clerks at the Planning Bar. Jason Allen is an outstanding clerk.’
‘The service from the clerks is exceptional, they can always be relied upon to assist in an emergency. They are always helpful and willing to go the extra mile.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘This is my go to set for planning, environmental and admin law. They have excellent depth and are a one-stop shop for planning and environment work’
‘Wonderfully inclusive and collaborative set of chambers who nurture real talent- a real extension of the team.’
‘It is one of the principal planning sets the bar and is of exceptionally high quality. Its clerks are generally recognised to be some of if not the best at the Planning Bar and the breadth of experience and quality of its barristers is at the highest level.’
’39 Essex is a market leading planning set. It has excellent strength in depth, from silks through to juniors. Whenever I have instructed them, I have always felt confident as to their experience and expertise.’
’39 Essex is a stand out chambers for public and planning law. They really excel in this field.’
Clerking
‘Andy Poyser is the King of Clerks -he is supremely knowledgeable and knows his barristers’ CVs and experience inside out.’
”The clerks’ room is generally very strong, and excellent at processing instructions.’
‘Fantastic, professional, and friendly clerks are always available to assist.’
‘Clerking at 39 is always responsive, friendly and obliging. Andrew Poyser is the best clerk at the bar. He leads some very good junior clerks who are quickly learning the ropes.’
Work highlights
Six Pump Court
Six Pump Court provides a ‘personal standard of care’ and hosts ‘excellent advocates at all levels’ who advise on a full spectrum of planning matters, complemented by additional regulatory and criminal expertise. Over the past year, Robert Griffiths KC acted in Appeal by Island Gas Ltd, Ellesmere Port, a significant public inquiry which examined the interconnection between climate change and shale gas development. Anne Williams appeared at an planning inquiry on behalf of Christ Hospital School concerning a multi-million pound project which is supported by Sports England.
Testimonials
Set
‘Six Pump Court has a real strength and depth of quality counsel for planning and public law matters, from top silks to new pupils, there are excellent advocates at all levels.’
‘Six Pump Court is small enough to give a personal standard of care, and large enough to offer a range of advocates to suit your case.’
‘This is a very friendly chambers with outstanding members who are always willing to help.’
Clerking
‘The clerking at this set is very good. In terms of timeliness of responses and assistance to those instructing they are as good as it gets.’
‘The clerks at 6 Pump Court are very responsive and helpful.’
‘The clerks should be regarded as a particular strength of these chambers, they are always dealing with matters promptly and professionally, and with great client care.’
‘The clerks are always extremely helpful and friendly, and adopt a ‘can-do’ approach. Ryan Barrow and Richard Constable are very personable and always provide an excellent service.’
Work highlights
Cornerstone Barristers
The ‘fantastic range of barristers’ at Cornerstone Barristers use their ‘excellent skills and expertise in the planning law field’ to advise a variety of clients on a full scope of cases. The chambers utilises its extensive sector knowledge of public law, energy, property, and local government law to bolster its planning offering. Michael Bedford KC acted for Suffolk CC in the Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station DCO Examination, concerning the eponymous power plant. In addition to this, Richard Ground KC successfully represented Twickenham Studios in the Twickenham Film Studios Arlington Works Planning Inquiry regarding a scheme which endangered the future of the historic film studio. Thomas Cosgrove KC successfully defended a judicial review claim for Mid Suffolk DC regarding an attempt which sought to quash planning permission for a 300-dwelling scheme in Ewans v Mid Suffolk DC. Wayne Beglan acted for Hackney Council in a series of cases which involved a judicial review, an appeal to the Court of Appeal, and an eight day planning inquiry appeal; the string of matters ultimately concerned prohibitory and mandatory injunctions against art installations which were installed at commercial premises.
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone have a good group of barristers with excellent skills and expertise in the planning law field. I would not hesitate to instruct any of their specialists in this field.’
‘Cornerstone Barristers have always been my go to, having worked with a variey of barristers within the chambers, each assisting with different aspects of planning and being able to support whichever case they are required.’
‘The level of experience amongst it members is very impressive. I have had the opportunity to work with other barristers in the same chambers and have found them to all be knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘Cornerstone has a fantastic range of barristers, from silks to junior juniors, who are regularly instructed in some of the biggest and notable planning cases.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are all friendly, very approachable and efficient.’
‘The clerks at Cornerstone are particularly strong in their communication, and have always ensured a timely response.’
‘The clerks provide a fantastic service, and are extremely reliable and easy to work with.’
Work highlights
Francis Taylor Building
Francis Taylor Building is ‘excellent, with considerable strength in depth‘ when it comes to planning matters, with members who are ‘second to none and excellent to work with‘. Known for their expertise in infrastructure, members advise on energy projects, highways, and residential schemes. Melissa Murphy KC successfully acted for the Mayor of London in West Ferry Printworks, a politically divisive public inquiry concerning the impact the redevelopment scheme would have on the setting of Tower Bridge, in addition to complex viability matters. Michael Humphries KC and Mark Westmoreland Smith appeared for EfW Group Ltd in the Wheelabrator DCO Challenge against the Secretary of State’s decision to grant consent for an extension to an energy from waste project, but to withhold consent for a new one. Hereward Phillpot KC acted for BP in the promotion of Net Zero Teesside, a carbon capture and storage scheme of national importance. Saira Kabir Sheikh KC acted for the appellants, and Charles Streeten for the respondent, in Ikram v Secretary of State for Housing and Communities & Another at the Court of Appeal. The case confirmed that the permitted use of land must be limited to the use which was applied for; the appellants sought to reverse the decision to quash planning permission for the use of land as a mosque.
Testimonials
Set
‘They have enormous strength in depth, and are a top set in the field. I would be confident in recommending this set to my most important clients. They are always thinking ahead to how this field of law might evolve and change.’
‘Having worked with many members of the FTB set, I have found them to be excellent, with considerable strength in depth in planning matters, which they specialise in. They are always my go-to set.’
‘FTB is the top set of chambers for planning with some really excellent barristers.’
‘Francis Taylor Building are known as the leading Chambers for infrastructure planning work for a reason, they have the most experienced and generally most skilled barristers in this area of work. This applies equally to the KCs and also to the juniors in chambers. In particular, the juniors are very confident in their work and provide a very good and timely service.’
‘I have worked with FTB for decades and have found their planning barristers to be second to none and excellent to work with.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are particularly good and user-friendly. Uniquely amongst clerks at the sets we use they are also commercial in their business development activities and are willing to explore opportunities for collaboration and work referrals.’
‘Friendly, accessible and proactive. Dealing with them is a great experience.’
‘The Clerks are always helpful, responsive and very efficient.’
‘Very attentive clerks. Great to work with. Paul Coveney is very down to earth and goes out of his way to ensure a consistent excellent service.’
Work highlights
Landmark Chambers
‘Pre-eminent planning set’ Landmark Chambers is home to an ‘unrivalled breadth of talent’ as exhibited by its ‘highly impressive’ clerks, ‘heavyweight silks with outstanding capabilities’, and skilled junior barristers. The members display ‘great strength in depth’ across all areas of planning law, featuring heavily in significant inquiries, and promoting new towns and urban extensions in addition to mixed-use developments across the country. In the past year, Dan Kolinsky KC represented LB Southwark in R (Flynn) v LB Southwark, successfully defending the challenge against a major regeneration project to replace the Elephant & Castle shopping centre at first instance and in the Court of Appeal. David Elvin KC represented Raycliff Whitechapel in the Whitechapel Bell Foundry call-in inquiry, which involved consideration of heritage benefits contrasted with harms regarding the restoration and refurbishment proposals for the former bell foundry. Anjoli Foster successfully represented Brighton and Hove CC in the Brighton Marina inquiry which concerned the opposition to a major redevelopment, whilst Matthew Fraser represented the Whitstable Oyster Company in their appeal against an enforcement notice requiring the removal of metal trestles for oyster cultivation.
Testimonials
Set
‘A first class set for all planning and environmental work; they are a permanent go-to, and have been for over a decade. Peerless.’
‘Landmark are the go-to set for planning law. Great strength in depth across all levels.’
‘Landmark Chambers is the pre-eminent planning set. It has an extraordinary, unrivalled breadth of talent showcased in its extensive range of heavyweight silk with outstanding capabilities, supported by a large team of skilled juniors, rendering it unbeatable in its field.’
‘Landmark is an excellent chambers. The depth and range of its counsel is impressive. They are planning experts and work tirelessly to further the debate and clarify legal issues in the planning arena.’
Clerking
‘The clerks at Landmark are fantastic. They are willing and able to assist with all matters and respond quickly and efficiently.’
‘The clerks are extremely impressive. They provide a very efficient service and are always a pleasure to deal with. Mike Gooch, in particular, is exemplary; he is so responsive and unfailingly helpful.’
‘The clerking is highly impressive. Nothing is too much trouble. The clerks are well-versed in planning procedures. They always respond very quickly, are helpful and good humoured. Kevin Squires is one of the most experienced clerks at the Planning Bar. Jason Allen is an outstanding clerk.’
‘The service from the clerks is exceptional, they can always be relied upon to assist in an emergency. They are always helpful and willing to go the extra mile.’