Blacks

Planning

Partner and Head of Planning

Emma Thomas is a Partner and Head of Blacks' Planning team. She joined in 2025 and brings more than 20 years’ experience as a planning solicitor, having worked at regional, national, and international firms across Leeds.

She advises house builders, developers, land promoters, retail and leisure operators, investment funds, local authorities, and private individuals. She offers practical, commercially focused planning advice tailored to her clients’ goals, whether she’s acting as part of a wider team or as a sole adviser.

Her work includes strategic input on major development schemes, complex section 106 and infrastructure agreements, planning objections, enforcement and planning appeals, rights of way, and Community Infrastructure Levy issues. She also handles judicial review claims and provides due diligence support on acquisitions and corporate transactions.

Emma has particular expertise in objecting to telecommunications planning applications, including representing clients at appeal.