Michael Bedford KC > Cornerstone Barristers > London, England > Barrister Profile
Cornerstone Barristers Offices
2-3 GRAY'S INN SQUARE
LONDON
WC1R 5JH
England
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Michael Bedford KC
Position
Michael has an extensive practice covering all aspects of the development process (including compulsory purchase) with a particular emphasis on larger scale projects. He is currently promoting several local plans, including proposals in the East of England. He is also promoting major infrastructure projects under the DCO regime in Great Yarmouth and under the TCPA regime in Norwich, as well acting for other participants in DCOs concerning Sizewell B and the Lower Thames Crossing. He is also acting on a range of housing and mixed-use developments in London and across the South East and the East of England.
Michael acts for developers and landowners, local planning authorities, and local highway authorities. Michael is familiar with presenting cases at inquiries and hearings, local plan examinations, and DCO examinations. His Court work includes leading cases on the Duty to Co-operate (Zurich and Barker Mill), Appropriate Assessment (Abbotskerswell and Devon Wildlife Trust), DPDs/SPDs (Skipton Properties), and the meaning of deliverable sites (East Bergholt).
Michael practices in Wales as well as England. He also deals with Definitive Map and other rights of way matters and sits as a Village Greens Inspector.
Career
Michael was called in 1985 and has practiced throughout his career from what is now Cornerstone Barristers. He took silk in 2016.
Memberships
PEBA; NIPA.
Education
King’s College, London (1984 LLB Hons).
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Planning
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 3Michael Bedford KC –Cornerstone Barristers ‘Michael thoroughly prepares for meetings and is authoritative and clear with clients. He takes in a great deal of detailed information quickly and provides pragmatic advice. He is a highly effective advocate.’
With ‘strong barristers at every level of experience‘, Cornerstone Barristers is involved in ‘very high-profile planning challenges‘, handling cases from the inquiry stage up to the Supreme Court. The set’s ‘real expertise in planning law‘, complemented by its proficiency in public law, property, energy, and local government law, makes it a ‘growing force in planning‘. Compulsory purchase and compensation cases is another area of expertise for the chambers. Thomas Cosgrove KC, leading Ruchi Parekh, successfully overturned a High Court decision on behalf of Mid Suffolk District Council in R (Thurston Parish Council) v Mid Suffolk DC and Bloor Homes, a significant Court of Appeal case within the planning arena on the distinction between interpretation and and application of planning policy. Several members have been involved in the Sunnica Energy Farm nationally significant infrastructure project; Michael Bedford KC appeared in the development consent order examination on behalf of Suffolk County Council, with Edward Grant and Parekh representing West Suffolk Council at the ongoing hearings. Harriet Townsend led for the local authority in R (Finch, on behalf of the Weald Action Group) v Surrey CC, arguing that, when considering an application for the commercial extraction of oil, it is not necessary to conduct an assessment of the emissions and climate impact of any subsequently manufactured products, as any such impact would not be an effect of development.