Jonathan Darby > Chambers of Charlie Cory-Wright KC and Richard Harwood KC > London, England > Barrister Profile

39 Essex Chambers is a ‘premier set‘ for planning matters, demonstrating a ‘variety of seniority and a breadth of knowledge‘. Its members display ‘real strength in depth across the board‘, advising on rural development, urban regeneration, housing development and community infrastructure, as well as attending local plan examinations and appearing at both large and small-scale planning inquiries. The set has broad expertise across the transport sector from roads, airports and seaports to railways, tramways and bus ways, and various members, including Richard Wald KC, James Strachan KC and Jonathan Darby continue to be involved in the HS2 railway project. Strachan KC is also acting for Luton Airport on its expansion, leading Victoria Hutton, and with John Steel KC representing Luton Borough Council. Richard Harwood OBE KC appeared in the Supreme Court, acting in Swindon BC v SSHCLG, a leading case on the meaning of highway, the scope of planning conditions and the interpretation of a planning permission. Christiaan Zwart successfully promoted the development of The Brick Veil Mosque in Preston over a two week inquiry; the application for planning permission was called-in by the Secretary of State as it raised National Policy, listed building and neighbourhood plan issues.