Chris Charlton > Clarke Willmott LLP > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

The ‘exceptionally good planning team‘ at Clarke Willmott LLP is noted for its capabilities advising housebuilders on large residential-led, mixed-use development schemes.  Planning appeals, enforcement matters, and judicial reviews are additional areas of expertise.  ‘Excellent strategist’ Neil Baker chairs the team from Bristol, and frequently gives legal opinions on planning issues. His colleague Chris Charlton is an experienced planning advocate. Taunton-based Caroline Waller is described by clients as ‘the go-to planning solicitor for many in the South West development industry’. Jade Lyus is also recommended.

Covering both contentious and non-contentious work, the ‘very strong’  practice at Clarke Willmott LLP continues to focus on the agriculture and waste sectors, working with a host of farming enterprises, utilities companies, and developers. Steering the team from the firm’s Bristol office, Neil Baker regularly combines his planning and environmental expertise in applications for projects such as housing sites and urban regeneration schemes. Caroline Waller and Chris Charlton further extend the team’s expertise in planning and environmental law. Daniel Gill left the practice in July 2022.

Receiving instruction from clients across the residential and commercial sectors, Clarke Willmott LLP’s South East planning department routinely advises on major development projects and section 106 agreements. Based in both Southampton and Bristol, Neil Baker heads up the team, bringing extensive experience in dealing with planning applications, regeneration schemes, and mixed-use development projects to the group. Chris Charlton boasts 25 years in the planning field, and Caroline Waller acts for both developers and local planning authorities. Marianne Barker joined the firm from Asserson Law Offices in March 2022. Senior associate Anne Jones is also noted.