Planning in South West

‘Quite simply, the serenity and control that they present to me as a client. It gives me enormous assurance to see the team in control, doing what they said they would and providing high quality advice. I get a real sense that lessons have been learnt from experience and that they are being utilised for my benefit.’

‘Capable and responsive.’

‘Collaboration between depts. is very strong. BS have seamlessly drawn across numerous legal specialism to provide clear and direct advice to us and importantly been able to communicate this as part of the negotiations.’

‘Very efficient with excellent knowledge and case management.’

‘Excellent experience and knowledge from key individuals with respect to the NSIP regime.’

‘Patrick Robinson is excellent; thoughtful about case strategy and excellent with clients.’

‘Alex Minhinick is my main point of contact and has become a trusted advisor. Alex provides assured advice, spots potential issues and works very well with my team. He does so with an easy charm that fits well with the way we go about our business.’

‘Concise and clear communication in negotiations; detailed understanding of all the documentation; kept the legal points of detail between the solicitors so the key commercial points remain the focus of the discussions.’

‘The team provide a professional yet friendly and approachable service. Work is always completed to an extremely high standard in a timely manner. I believe the work carried out is often to a higher standard compared with other firms. Work is always well distributed within the team and there is always someone able to pick up with appropriate background if other members of the team are unavailable.’

‘The team always responds well in a focused manner and provides clients with a range of solutions to problems. Its planning team is well resourced and well informed. OC have regularly undertaken virtual seminars on key topics during lockdown.’

‘I deal with Richard Harding primarily for S106 agreements and find the service he provides is first class, will make himself available to suit client needs & has a very methodical and logical approach with an understanding of the developers position.’

‘Osborne Clarke’s real estate planning practice are a very capable team who provide a excellent, professional service. Advice is provided quickly and always with a commercial perspective. They have good knowledge of emerging policies and legal issues. We have received very good advice for example on the complexities around CIL regulations. They take a flexible approach and will work with you to understand what your requirements and budget are to ensure you get appropriate advice.’

‘Neil Bromwich has a huge breadth and depth of knowledge on planning law, and a lot of experience working with major house builders. He is able to articulate complex advice in a way that is easily understandable, and he is very approachable and interested in working with you to solve problems.’

‘The team is broad in expertise and has a brilliant capacity to offer straightforward and clear advice in complex situations. They are very human in their approach and are not shy of giving meaningful opinion. They are a very good extension of our in house team. ’

‘Wealth of experiencing in the house building sector. Members of the team are proactive and attentive to clients. They have an extremely good working relationship with Local Planning Authority’s Legal Teams, which is imperative with some of the major residential schemes.’

‘The OC team have a breadth of knowledge that enables them to assist with our development work to enhance the delivery of homes on our developments.’

‘Ashfords are extremely professional, friendly and prompt in the delivery of their advice. I would have no hesitation in engaging them in the future.’

‘David Richardson is very helpful and always ready and willing to discuss over the telephone. The level of expertise is excellent and have always found him both approachable and helpful in the delivery of service that we would expect from a firm of this stature.’

‘Collectively, the Ashfords LLP Planning Team has an extensive knowledge of planning law which is unrivalled in the region. As a team they are able to assist and advise where necessary in a timely and considerable manner, including on occasions that require cross-departmental input. A major difference that I have found between Ashfords and other firms, is the openness of Practice. By having regular meetings with the Planning Team we are able to openly discuss ongoing projects in a more informal manner, which from experience, enables the Team to take the initiative to drive projects forward to ensure deadlines are met.’

‘They do not sit on the fence but will provide clear advice and follow it through. I have always found them excellent and easy to work with. They have a ‘can sort’ attitude and constructive approach to resolving issues.’

‘Caroline Waller continues to be the ‘go to’ planning lawyer for many working in the development industry within the south west. Caroline’s knowledge, experience and approach enables her to quickly pin-point the key issues and provide invaluable advice on how to deal with and avoid problems.’

‘Joann Bainton is my go to for planning matters which is largely transactional support for corporate real estate and real estate deals. She offers a great blend of technical expertise, cost effective pragmatic advice. The service is responsive and she is approachable at all times to all members of my team , from the most junior to partner level. ’

‘Neil Baker – Particularly good in chasing things up and seeking to agree things in set time frames. Good relations with opposite numbers within Councils that assists with decision making and timely agreements. Good knowledge of whole development process as such, is always thinking ‘outside the box’ on matters that he may not necessarily be appointed for. Has particular interest in development within Bristol City of which he is a resident, this knowledge is always useful.’

‘I have found all of the planning solicitors at Clark Willmott to be accessible and capable of providing accurate advice at short notice. They have a fantastic eye for detail and are able to foresee potential shortfalls in Local Planning Authority S106 drafting and steer negotiations towards acceptable solutions for us as their client.’

‘Neil Baker and the team have a strong ability to disseminate complex planning issues into practical advice and solutions. Also a strong commercial focus always features in their advice. Clarke Willmott are founders of the Bristol Diversity Charter which is positive.’

‘We have built up a strong working relationship with the firm and key individuals at the firm. They can offer a one stop shop and are well resourced. They are client/ customer focused.’

‘We have great confidence in the individuals, they have substantial expertise and knowledge and also respond to meeting deadlines but also fully brief us on risks and of course provide strong legal advice.’

‘The team, generally, are excellent. Documentation is dealt with quickly and their knowledge of their subject is top notch.’

‘Katherine Evans is exceptional with planning advice and understands her clients needs as she started in housebuilding before becoming a solicitor. Her advice is always clear and swift. Katherine is always available when you need her.’

‘I have worked with this company as a client for a number of years. I know I can always pick up the phone and speak to someone. The advice is always excellent and there is an excellent attention to detail. From a diversity perspective, it is refreshing to see a lot of females doing well within the organisation.’

‘Victoria Redman: personable, strong communication, strong leadership of her team, excellent advice, knowledge of planning.’

‘Charlotte Coulson is personable and thorough, and provides excellent attention to detail.’

‘Jonathan Bower – excellent advice, calm, personable.’

‘The team have very strong team working skills, engaging with the project team in a seamless way and quickly making themselves indispensable. They have proved to be a very unifying influence at times when the core project team have been less than cohesive and they are trusted advisers to the project. On a personal level they are just very nice people to work with, approachable and friendly.’

‘The commitment of Richard Guyatt and Kevin Gibbs and the rest of the whole WBD team has consistently been very impressive. Whatever challenges arise, WBD have always been pro-active is setting out what needs to happen to resolve the issue. The depth and breadth of experience of WBD, in respect of the DCO process and rail industry, has been immeasurable asset for the project.’

‘The practice is versatile crossing various sectors and they can draw on a wealth of knowledge across their offices. Prior to providing advice they ensure they fully understand the issue at hand. Their fees are reasonable and the output has assisted immensely.’

‘Whilst details can be discussed via e-mail, they take the time to meet (at present ‘virtually’) with you and discuss matters in full prior to providing their advice, strategy for moving schemes / matters forward.’

‘I have worked alongside Christian Silk on numerous residential and renewable energy schemes over many years and have always found him approachable, his advice has assisted bringing a number of schemes to fruition.’

‘I find the Thrings team overall as very approachable and professional. I have been impressed by the level of engagement on each project, which is refreshing in comparison to its competitors. The level of service is first class.’

‘Fred Quartermain is our day to day contact at Thrings. The service he has provided to us has been brilliant. I rarely speak to Fred’s team leader as he is always on point. He has become our go to for planning agreements.’