The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > South West > Planning

The 'really good and skilful team’ at Burges Salmon LLP is 'highly respected nationwide as a key player in the area'. The firm acts in the public and private sectors, specialising in infrastructure projects, energy sector planning work and contentious compulsory purchase orders (CPOs). Gary Soloman leads the practice and has expertise in regeneration projects, large-scale developments and highway proposals. Also notable are Patrick Robinson, who is particularly focused on nuclear, renewables, CPO and minerals work; Elizabeth (Liz) Dunn, who is known for nationally significant infrastructure projects; and senior associate Laura Fuller, who has experience in large-scale developments and CPOs.

Osborne Clarke provides a 'strong understanding of the law and a sensible approach to how it should be applied'. The broad practice has particular expertise in the areas of conventional and renewable energy, transport infrastructure, commercial property and large-scale residential planning, with specialities in CPOs and strategic planning mechanisms. Neil Bromwich focuses on the statutory powers of compulsory purchase. He co-leads the team with John Baird, who represents landowners, developers, retailers and tenants in a range of matters.

Ashfords LLP provides expertise in the housebuilding sector, the community infrastructure levy and public sector planning. The firm has a particular specialism in coastal development, ports and harbours work. In addition, the practice has experience in CPOs and contentious planning matters. David Richardson leads the team and his focus includes residential and mixed-use developments. Also notable are legal directors Lara Moore, who is a specialist marine planning, licensing and regulatory lawyer, and Duncan Moors, who acts predominantly for local authority clients. Graham Cridland left the firm in 2019 for planning consultancy Origin3.

Clarke Willmott LLP specialises in development projects for housebuilders, commercial developers, registered social housing providers, lending institutions and local authorities. Neil Baker leads the team and his expertise includes planning applications for housing sites, urban regeneration projects and infrastructure projects. Also notable is Joann Bainton, who joined from Sidley Austin LLP in 2019 and brings experience in contentious planning and environmental matters.

TLT has expertise in planning advice relating to appeals, as well as a strong track record in judicial review and High Court proceedings. The firm also advises on CPO and compensation matters. Practice head Katherine Evans is experienced in a range of planning, highways and compulsory purchase work, specialising in property-related environmental issues.

Specialising in infrastructure projects, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is active in regeneration and redevelopment schemes, as well as transport planning and highways matters. The firm also provides expertise in CPOs, judicial reviews and planning litigation. Jonathan Bower leads the practice and has experience in infrastructure planning in the energy, regeneration and local government areas. Notable in the team are Richard Guyatt, whose strengths include judicial reviews, CPOs and town planning; Victoria Redman, who acts in contentious and non-contentious planning matters; and senior counsel Kevin Gibbs, who is a dual qualified chartered town planner and solicitor, and is particularly active in regeneration and infrastructure schemes.

Experienced in advising on health sector, local authority and housing matters, Bevan Brittan LLP provides a specialist development practice with an emphasis on acting for national landowners. Kathryn Lawrance leads the team and has expertise in local government planning, regeneration and development projects. Also notable is Dalee Kaur, who joined the in 2019 from BDB Pitmans and bring expertise in planning law, retail, housing, leisure and industrial development.

Advising public and private sector clients, Davitt Jones Bould acts in a range of development and regeneration matters. Madeleine Davitt leads the practice and her team includes Robin de Wreede, who specialises in planning and commercial property issues. Also notable is consultant Teresa Kamppari Baker, who joined from an in-house position at John Lewis and brings experience in commercial, property, construction and planning law.

Foot Anstey has particular expertise in the residential development sector, acting for housing associations, national house builders and local authorities. The firm also has regeneration and infrastructure experience, notably in the energy area. Practice head Tim Taylor specialises in the commercial application of planning law to the development process. Legal director Christian Silk joined in 2019 from Simmons & Simmons and brings experience in development consent orders.

The ‘experienced and professional’ Thrings LLP specialises in rural and urban planning, with a particular focus on agriculture and development. The firm also provides experience in planning litigation. Head of planning and environmental Alex Madden advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters, including residential development, retail, waste planning and renewables. He works alongside Rosalyn Trotman, who is head of the firm's development of land team.