Francis Taylor Building > London, England > Set Profile

Francis Taylor Building Offices

Francis Taylor Building
FRANCIS TAYLOR BUILDING, INNER TEMPLE
LONDON
EC4Y 7BY
England
Visit website 020 7353 8415 020 7353 7622

Profiles

Francis Taylor Building > The Legal 500 Rankings

London Bar > Environment Tier 1

Acting for major corporates, developers, statutory regulators, environmental action groups and individuals, Francis Taylor Building is a highly regarded planning set with a strong contingent of members handling cases involving environmental regulation and land use planning, as well as common law and criminal environmental liability. Robert McCracken QC has brought several challenges to grants of planning permission and adoption of air quality policies based on European air quality directives. Members frequently member appear against each other, as is the case with the high-profile Drax power station litigation, in which Gregory Jones QC is leading rising star Merrow Golden for claimant ClientEarth, with prominent junior Ned Westaway appearing for the Secretary of State. New silk Richard Honey QC is acting for the defendant Secretary of State in a judicial review of the design of the new UK emissions trading scheme.

Rising stars

Merrow Golden - Francis Taylor Building ‘ She is very quick to assimilate facts and complex technical issues, and she has a real passion for environmental law. ’
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Robert McCracken QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Rightly seen as a leader in his field, his work goes beyond excellence. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
James Pereira QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ An effective listener who is absolutely on the top of his game and has a superbly clear drafting style with a keen focus on both the detail and the bigger picture. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Morag Ellis QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ A very approachable barrister whose knowledge of and approach to heritage cases is highly focused and thorough. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Gregory Jones QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ A very user friendly highly intelligent leading counsel and a supreme strategist who often displays flashes of brilliance. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Jeremy Phillips QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Calm and responsive with an in-depth knowledge of the subject, clients value his insightful analysis, experience and commerciality. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

2021 Silks

Richard Honey QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ He is extremely responsive, has an incredible eye for detail and will be fully on top of his brief. ’

Leading Juniors

Ned Westaway - Francis Taylor Building ‘ He is extremely thorough, grasping the issues at hand easily, and he communicates readily with judges, inspectors and officers. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Charles Streeten - Francis Taylor Building ‘ A formidable opponent, he is a sharp thinker and good strategist who isn't afraid to tackle difficult cases. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

Set

‘Francis Taylor Building is my first choice set. I have worked with a mix of juniors and silks and have consistently received a great service. I know that whatever the subject matter, there will be a barrister with the requisite expertise and/or experience.’

‘A consistently high-performing set with a wealth of counsel to choose from.’

‘FTB is a strong set especially in matters concerning planning, business rates and public law. I know the chambers has good strength in depth in licensing matters generally and I have attended some very informative training sessions. In licensing terms there is always someone suitable available for the case.’

‘FTB have a good variety of barristers in this area and they are all of  high quality.’

‘All barristers are practical in their approach and express themselves clearly. There has always been somebody available to assist within the required timescales. Their training, delivered to planning officers, was hailed as the best and most informative training session that planning officers have attended.’

Clerks

‘I know James Kemp and Adam Collins the best, but find all the clerks at Francis Taylor Building to be first-class and a pleasure to deal with, being both responsive and extremely helpful. The clerks are a credit to Francis Taylor Building and should be commended highly.’

London Bar > Licensing Tier 1

The set at Francis Taylor Building displays an ‘unparalleled breadth of expertise across planning and licensing law’, acting for operators in the liquor, gambling, entertainment, and taxi areas, and representing parties in judicial review cases, and before the Magistrates’ Court. Gerald Gouriet QC acted for the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association in Uber London Limited v TfL, the ongoing litigation concerning Uber's activities in London. Jeremy Philips QC provided an opinion on English law as part of the Hong Kong regulatory process for the takeover of Les Ambassadeurs Club in Mayfair, and Leo Charalambides represents the Metropolitan Police in its appeal against the decision of Camden Council to grant a license to The Red Rooms sexual entertainment venue.

Leading Silks

Gerald Gouriet QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Gerald is a formidable barrister. His position as one of the UK leading licensing and gaming silks is undeniable. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 1
Jeremy Phillips QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Jeremy is very incisive and excellent at spotting flaws and weaknesses in the opposition's case and developing a strategy around this best suited to the client's business objectives. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Gary Grant - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Very approachable, excellent realistic and practical advice. Hard working and knows how to handle clients. No weaknesses. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
James Rankin - Francis Taylor Building ‘ James is a first class advocate who knows how to win. He is an incredible asset to any client. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Charles Streeten - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Well prepared and confident in presenting detailed technical points that others might shy away from. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 2

Testimonials

Set

‘Very good set, professional throughout. Wide range of licensing expertise covering all fields in the sector.’

‘A consistently high-performing set with a wealth of counsel to choose from. ‘

‘Unparalleled breadth of expertise across planning and licensing law.’

‘FTB is clearly the leading licensing set with some of the most famous names in the Industry. It has unrivaled depth in the licensing and regulatory field and they have been a joy to work with.’

‘FTB has possibly the greatest depth of licensing experience in England. Chambers are able to offer expert licensing advice from the lowest level of junior (in terms of call date) to QC.’

Clerking

‘Good clerking. Polite and professional with the skill to suggest the correct counsel to the client.’

London Bar > Agriculture Tier 2

Francis Taylor Building handles a wide array of agricultural matters, with particular strength in public law-related cases. Areas of strength include common land, town and village green applications, rights of way, and easements. Members regularly appear as advocates and inspectors at village green inspections, a particular strength for Morag Ellis QC, who represented the Welsh Government in Cefn yr Hendy, Llantrisant and Cowbridge Sports Ground, successfully resisting the registration of development land as a town or village green after a public inquiry. Richard Honey QC is noted for his strength in environmental law, and represented the successful claimant in the Foscote Hill Farm judicial review of the grant of planning permission for the relocation of a farm business, including a new dwelling and agricultural buildings. Ned Westaway, unled, represented DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency in MacDonald v Animal Plant And Health Agency, a case garnering much media attention concerning the refusal of the owner of an alpaca named Geronimo to destroy it after it tested positive for bovine tuberculosis twice.

Leading Silks

Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3

2021 Silks

Leading Juniors

Ned Westaway - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Ned is an experienced and knowledgeable barrister, who clearly cares deeply about environmental issues and will always go the extra mile. He is strategic and tactical and his experience shines through in conferences with clients. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

Clerking

‘Billy Brett is my main contact and he’s very efficient and helpful.‘

London Bar > Local government (including rating law) Tier 2

Viewed as an ‘academically strong and thorough‘ set, Francis Taylor Building is noted for being ‘very strong on CPO, infrastructure, and compensation cases.’ The team is highly regarded for its expertise in rating matters, and handles instructions relating to local government finances, council tax, licensing and compulsory purchase orders and compensation. Cain Ormondroyd specialises in ratings and council tax issues; he appeared for the London Borough of Merton in a case regarding the application of charitable relief from rating concerning a gymnasium bought by Nuffield Health, a registered charity which operates hospitals and health clubs, which also served as a test case for application of ‘public benefit’ requirement in this context. Elsewhere in chambers, Hugh Flanagan advised a provider of serviced offices in Central London on the correct business rates treatment of the building, in the context of a potential dispute with the Valuation Officer.

Leading Silks

Richard Glover QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Richard is immensely knowledgeable and diligent with a fantastic ability to grasp detail. He is a first rate advocate. A pleasure to work with. ’
Ranked: Tier 1

2021 Silks

Richard Honey QC –Francis Taylor Building ‘A tenacious and detailed practitioner who leaves no stone unturned. Always willing to roll sleeves up as part of the project team – will set out parameters and risks with a view to reaching a negotiated solution.’

Leading Juniors

Hugh Flanagan - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Hugh is a real technical expert, writes beautifully and delivers thorough work on time. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Cain Ormondroyd - Francis Taylor Building ‘ He is incredibly knowledgeable in this field and provides an excellent service both on paper and in court. He is a very thorough in his advices and is an impressive and confident advocate. ’
Ranked: Tier 1

Testimonials

Set

‘FTB is an excellent set for planning, environment and local government, and is developing stronger expertise in broader public law work. There are very good barristers at all levels in chambers.’

‘The set as a whole has extremely knowledgeable and hard working barristers with a wealth of experience and offers a good range of barristers within different price ranges.’

London Bar > Planning Tier 2

Francis Taylor Building has ‘extraordinary strength-in-depth with a wealth of talented barristers’ and are ‘the top planning and compulsory purchase set in London.’ The set is known for its infrastructure expertise and is involved in various transport and energy projects. Hereward Phillpot QC leads Hugh Flanagan and Daisy Noble to promote the nationally significant infrastructure project, the proposed 3.2GW Sizewell C nuclear power station on behalf of EDF. The set has also been involved in high-profile planning inquiries and have expertise in the heritage sector; Douglas Edwards QC  and Charles Streeten represented Westminster County Council in the inquiry concerning proposals to construct a Holocaust memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens. Melissa Murphy QC acted for The National Trust at the Court of Appeal on a case relating to the proposed redevelopment of Bramshill House, a Grade I Jacobean mansion and Grade I registered parkland. In October 2021 Kate Olley joined from Landmark Chambers.

Rising stars

Merrow Golden - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Merrow is a junior barrister who will go far. He has been very innovative and creative in developing legal arguments on complex points of law. Merrow is developing a broad practice with a significant public/environmental focus. ’
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Morag Ellis QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Pragmatic, calm, approachable and very effective advocate. Very strong in Wales. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Humphries QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Michael has a knowledge of the infrastructure planning regime that is second to none. He has a good strategic approach to the giving of advice and a nice collaborative nature. He is always accessible and puts clients at ease. Similarly he works well and collaboratively with other counsel brought in to assist in his cases. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Hereward Phillpot QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Hereward has unparalleled, absolute focus and outstanding intellectual acumen which inspires total trust in his advice. A 'client care champion' who always finds time for urgent advice. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Saira Kabir Sheikh QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ A client friendly and pragmatic barrister, she is an excellent solution driven advocate with bags of charm. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Andrew Tait QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Andrew is a brilliant planning and compulsory purchase Silk at the top of his game. He is completely professional, works very hard and is immaculately well-prepared. He sees the core elements of a case - i.e. how to win for his client – and pursues it. He is calm, polite, thoughtful and anxious to hear other views from professional advisers before coming to his view. In short, solicitors can recommend Andrew unhesitatingly to their clients, knowing he will give them a first rate service. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Gregory Jones QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Often first choice given his extensive expertise across planning, environment and public law, Greg consistently comes up with novel ideas to tackle complex issues. He fizzes with ideas on how to achieve the best results for clients. Very easy to work with. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
James Pereira QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Calm, articulate, and thorough when it comes to in-depth planning policy. He assists at every stage and presents the case immaculately. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Craig Howell Williams QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Craig is great to work with, great with clients and gives top-notch advice and representation. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Simon Bird QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Very responsive and user-friendly. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4
Richard Glover QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ A trusted advisor on complex compensation matters in the field of compulsory purchase and appropriation. Extremely thorough and will explore all angles, able to see the bigger picture and wider property law issues. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Suzanne Ornsby QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Her strengths include a very pragmatic, straight forward approach and the ability to relate to and quickly engage with a wide variety of individuals from different backgrounds. Suzanne is well organised and has a direct approach and very quickly sees the strengths and weaknesses associated with a wide variety of data and information relating to a highly complex technical subject. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

2021 Silks

Richard Honey QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Very hard-working and responsive with great knowledge of compulsory purchase law. ’

2022 Silks

Melissa Murphy QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Particularly impressive and starting to get the recognition she deserves. ’

Leading Juniors

Hugh Flanagan - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Hugh is calm, clear-minded and incredibly clever. This is reflected in the outstanding quality of his oral and written advocacy, and in the advice that he gives. Clients love him, and very swiftly come to regard him as an invaluable member of the team and their new go-to junior for all planning work. He will go far. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Meyric Lewis - Francis Taylor Building ‘ He is able to easily understand complex facts and to cut a swathe through the arguments. His approach with people is always polite and courteous but he is quite prepared to give bad news to clients where this is required. His opinions are always set out in a clear and easily understood manner. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Rebecca Clutten - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Rebecca's strengths are that she is able to provide clear and concise advice on a number of complex matters. She is always friendly and approachable, with a knack for explaining complex legal matters in an accessible way that distils problems simply and helps us to consider the best solutions. Her work is appreciated and highly commended. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Kate Olley - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Intellectually sharp, very organised and a good team player. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Charles Streeten - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Charles is fiercely intelligent and a broad thinker. He isn't afraid to tackle difficult cases and solicitors have confidence that he will do everything in his (considerable) power to secure the best outcome for his clients. I have also acted opposite him and know him to be a formidable opponent. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Isabella Tafur - Francis Taylor Building ‘ She is popular with clients and experts, with excellent all-round knowledge. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Ned Westaway - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Tenacious, highly focused, extremely sharp. He is extremely good with pressing his case and politely and firmly debating with the cream of the Planning judiciary. I would instruct him against in an instant, with absolutely no hesitation. Ned was highly impressive but was also measured in terms of the prospects - really had the confidence of the lay client which is so important. He is at the top of rank in terms of technical knowledge - the whole package. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Caroline Daly - Francis Taylor Building ‘ She is able to quickly grasp the detail of the case and provides advice which strengthens the client's case and ultimately leads to success. The quality of her work is always excellent and deadlines are always respected. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4
George Mackenzie - Francis Taylor Building ‘ Very good in this area. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

Set

‘These chambers have extraordinary strength-in-depth with a wealth of talented barristers. It covers all areas of law but is particularly strong on planning and environmental matters. There is always someone available at the right level of expertise and seniority to assist. I have worked with several QC’s and junior barristers from these Chambers and they are all on top of their game.’

‘FTB have an abundance of talent, and when counsel of choice is unavailable we have never been disappointed with the alternatives offered.’

‘FTB is an excellent set for planning, environment and local government, and is developing stronger expertise in broader public law work. There are very good barristers at all levels in chambers.’

‘Francis Taylor Building is my first choice set. I have worked with circa 10 barristers (mix of juniors and silks) and have consistently received a great service. I know that whatever the subject matter, there will be a barrister with the requisite expertise and/or experience.’

‘FTB are the top Planning and Compulsory Purchase set in London. From Senior Silks to Juniors they have tremendous strength in dept, so it is surprising that their top Juniors are not Silks already.’

Clerking

‘I found the clerks extremely helpful over lockdown in helping to manage our first virtual planning inquiry, from managing set up, providing rooms, helping with technology and always being on hand to ensure it ran smoothly. The clerks offer a quick and effective service.’

Francis Taylor Building > Set Profile

Francis Taylor Building (FTB) has a long-standing reputation for excellence in providing advocacy and advisory services. FTB is consistently featured as a leading set in the independent legal directories for its expertise and leading role in planning and infrastructure planning, environmental, licensing, compulsory purchase and land valuation, local government, administrative and public law. and rating. Its position at the forefront of these areas of law is evidenced by members consistently appearing in many of the leading cases.

The set: Members of chambers appear in courts at all levels in this country and abroad, including specialist tribunals and public inquiries and undertake specialist advisory work. The set owes its long-standing reputation for excellence to its wide range of clients, the major projects it handles and the number and quality of its practitioners. They are also supported by a highly motivated and professional team of clerks, led by Paul Coveney as senior clerk.

Types of work undertaken: As part of its specialist practice, FTB undertakes work connected with transport and works schemes, utilities, highways,  heritage and conservation, Parliamentary bills, common land and village greens, minerals, statutory nuisance and regulation, health and safety, environmental crime,  property law including easements and covenants, religious liberty and ecclesiastical, education and energy.

FTB maintains a panel of qualified and specialist CEDR and ADR accredited mediators.

FTB offers a wide range of client facilities including a dedicated seminar suite to support its established programme of events and an arbitration and mediation suite which complements Chambers’ mediation and ADR expertise. The premises are fully DDA compliant.

Diversity and Inclusion

Chambers is committed to promoting and advancing diversity and equality among its members and staff. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, political persuasion, disability, age or religion. We fully endorse the Bar Council’s Equality and Diversity Code. Applications for pupillage/membership/employment are particularly welcomed from women, members of ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and other groups that are currently under-represented in Chambers.

Access to the profession is an acute issue which Chambers seeks to address. Chambers is involved in initiatives aimed at increasing diversity.

Wellbeing

Chambers is committed to well-being. We have an established a mentoring scheme for members, providing structured opportunities for knowledge sharing and for help and advice to be available across all levels of seniority. Our quarterly social events are on hold for the time being, but we uphold the tradition of Chambers’ tea, held remotely.

We give careful thought to ensuring our marketing events appeal to a wide range of clients, and are held at different times of day, for greatest possible access.  This includes both academic and social events.  .

Main Contacts

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Members of Chambers TAIT QC, Andrew (1981)
Members of Chambers ROOTS QC, Guy (1969)
Members of Chambers McCRACKEN QC, Robert (1973)
Members of Chambers HUMPHRIES QC, Michael (1982)
Members of Chambers GOURIET QC, Gerald (1974)
Members of Chambers MATTHIAS QC, David (1980)
Members of Chambers ELLIS QC, Morag (1984)
Members of Chambers HOWELL WILLIAMS QC, Craig (1983)
Members of Chambers GLOVER QC, Richard (1984)
Members of Chambers HILL QC, Mark (1987) (QC-2009)
Members of Chambers BIRD QC, Simon (1987)
Members of Chambers EDWARDS QC, Douglas (1992)
Members of Chambers JONES QC, Gregory (1991)
Members of Chambers ORNSBY QC, Suzanne (1986)
Members of Chambers PEREIRA QC, James (2014)
Members of Chambers KABIR SHEIKH QC, Saira (2014)
Members of Chambers FRASER-URQUHART QC, Andrew (1993)
Members of Chambers PHILLPOT QC, Hereward (1997)
Members of Chambers BOOTH QC, Alexander (2000)
Members of Chambers PHILLIPS QC, Jeremy (2018)
Members of Chambers HONEY QC, Richard (2020)
Members of Chambers PETCHEY, Philip (1976)
Members of Chambers COMYN, Timothy (1980)
Members of Chambers RANKIN, James (1983)
Members of Chambers MEYRIC, Lewis (1986)
Members of Chambers GRANT, Gary (1994)
Members of Chambers HOLLAND, Charles (1994)
Members of Chambers CHARALAMBIDES, Leo (1998)
Members of Chambers JONES, Emyr (1999)
Members of Chambers MURPHY, Melissa (2001)
Members of Chambers JOLLIFFE, John (2005)
Members of Chambers WESTMORELAND SMITH, Mark (2006)
Members of Chambers ELEFTHERIADIS, Prof. Pavlos (2006)
Members of Chambers ORMONDROYD, Cain (2007)
Members of Chambers GRAHAM PAUL, Annabel (2008)
Members of Chambers FLANAGAN, Hugh (2008)
Members of Chambers CLUTTEN, Rebecca (2008)
Members of Chambers WESTAWAY, Ned (2009)
Members of Chambers TAFUR, Isabella (2009)
Members of Chambers GRAHAM, David (2010)
Members of Chambers FRY, Michael (2011)
Members of Chambers MACKENZIE, George (2011)
Members of Chambers ANTHONY, Prof. Gordon (2011) (
Members of Chambers GREAVES, Alexander (2012)
Members of Chambers DALY, Caroline (2013)
Members of Chambers STREETEN, Charles (2013)
Members of Chambers FORREST, Charles (2014)
Members of Chambers GOLDEN, Merrow (2014)
Members of Chambers WALLER, Horatio (2014)
Members of Chambers NOBLE, Daisy (2015)
Members of Chambers MERRETT, Charles (2015)
Members of Chambers DRABKIN-REITER, Esther (2017) (
Members of Chambers BRETT, Michael Brendan (2017)
Members of Chambers FEGAN, Conor (2018)
Members of Chambers WELCH, Jonathan (2019)

Barrister Profiles

PhotoNamePositionProfile
Gordon Anthony photo Gordon Anthony Professor Gordon Anthony is an Academic Tenant at Francis Taylor Building.  He…View Profile
Simon Bird photo Simon BirdSimon specialises in planning, local government, administrative and environmental Law. He is…View Profile
Alexander Booth photo Alexander BoothAlex Booth has a practice which encompasses all aspects of planning, infrastructure…View Profile
Michael Brendan Brett photo Michael Brendan Brett Recent work undertaken by Michael includes: Junior to Ned Westaway in the…View Profile
Leo Charalambides photo Leo Charalambides Licensing Leo is noted for his extensive expertise and experience of Licensing.…View Profile
Rebecca Clutten photo Rebecca Clutten Rebecca Clutten was called to the Bar in 2008 and is recognised…View Profile
Timothy Comyn photo Timothy Comyn The principal areas of Timothy Comyn’s practice include town and country planning,…View Profile
Caroline Daly photo Caroline Daly Caroline was called to the Bar in 2013 and is currently ranked…View Profile
Esther Drabkin-Reiter photo Esther Drabkin-Reiter Recent and current work includes: Acting for local residents and businesses, joined…View Profile
Douglas Edwards photo Douglas Edwards  Douglas Edwards QC practices in the fields of town and country…View Profile
Pavlos Eleftheriadis photo Pavlos Eleftheriadis EU Law He is regularly instructed to advise on general aspects of…View Profile
Morag Ellis photo Morag EllisMorag Ellis QC is widely recognised as a leading expert in planning…View Profile
Conor Fegan photo Conor Fegan Conor is ranked as one of the top planning barristers under the…View Profile
Hugh Flanagan photo Hugh Flanagan Hugh is ranked as a leading junior in the Legal 500 and…View Profile
Charles Forrest photo Charles Forrest Charles welcomes instructions to advise and represent clients across all of Chambers’…View Profile
Andrew Fraser-urquhart photo Andrew Fraser-urquhartAndrew Fraser-Urquhart QC (known universally as “AFU”) practices in planning, environmental and…View Profile
Michael Fry photo Michael Fry Michael specialises in planning and public law. His practice encompasses environmental, regulatory,…View Profile
Richard Glover photo Richard Glover  Richard Glover QC practices in all aspects of town and country…View Profile
Merrow Golden photo Merrow Golden Merrow welcomes instructions to act individually or as a part of a…View Profile
Gerald Gouriet photo Gerald Gouriet  Gerald’s licensing practice is principally in alcohol & entertainment, taxi and…View Profile
David Graham photo David Graham Planning David’s practice takes in a variety of planning matters, for private…View Profile
Annabel Graham Paul photo Annabel Graham Paul Annabel has acted in a number of leading judicial reviews and planning…View Profile
Gary Grant photo Gary Grant   Gary Grant is one of the UK’s leading licensing barristers. He…View Profile
Alexander Greaves photo Alexander Greaves Since joining Chambers in 2014, Alexander has developed a busy specialist practice…View Profile
Mark Hill photo Mark HillMark has more than twenty years experience of common law practice advising…View Profile
Charles Holland photo Charles Holland   Charles Holland’s practice combines licensing work and a broad range of…View Profile
Richard Honey photo Richard Honey Richard Honey QC practises as a barrister in the fields of public…View Profile
Craig Howell Williams photo Craig Howell Williams  Craig Howell Williams QC specialises in planning, environment and related areas…View Profile
Michael Humphries photo Michael HumphriesMichael Humphries specialises in all aspects of property development law, but is…View Profile
John Jolliffe photo John Jolliffe John Jolliffe practises across a range of environmental, planning and public law.…View Profile
Gregory Jones photo Gregory JonesGregory’s practice covers all aspects of administrative law including judicial review and…View Profile
Emyr Jones photo Emyr Jones Emyr was called in 1999 and practised in Cardiff until joining FTB…View Profile
Saira Kabir Sheikh photo Saira Kabir SheikhSaira’s practice covers all aspects of planning and environmental law, local government,…View Profile
Meyric Lewis photo Meyric Lewis Meyric was described by The Lawyer as “standing out” for his expertise…View Profile
George Mackenzie photo George Mackenzie Since joining Chambers in 2012 George has developed a busy specialist practice…View Profile
David Matthias photo David MatthiasDavid Matthias Q.C. FCIArb was called in 1980 and took Silk in…View Profile
Robert Mccracken photo Robert MccrackenRobert McCracken QC is a leading public, planning and environmental lawyer. He…View Profile
Charles Merrett photo Charles Merrett Charles’ practice spans all areas of Chambers’ planning work. He acts for…View Profile
Melissa Murphy QC photo Melissa Murphy QCMelissa specialises in compulsory purchase and compensation; planning; and associated property, contract…View Profile
Daisy Noble photo Daisy Noble View Profile
Cain Ormondroyd photo Cain Ormondroyd Cain Ormondroyd practices in the fields of public and planning law, with…View Profile
Suzanne Ornsby photo Suzanne OrnsbySuzanne Ornsby QC specialises in planning law and has spent most of her…View Profile
James Alexander Pereira photo James Alexander PereiraJames Pereira Q.C. specialises in planning, environmental, local government and administrative law,…View Profile
Jeremy Phillips photo Jeremy PhillipsJeremy Phillips QC offers the highest levels of expertise and advocacy as a barrister following,…View Profile
Hereward Phillpot photo Hereward PhillpotHereward Phillpot QC took silk in 2015, and has rapidly become recognised…View Profile
James Rankin photo James Rankin Preeminent licensing barrister James Rankin with thirty years’ experience in licensing and…View Profile
Guy Roots photo Guy RootsGuy Roots QC is an Associate Member of Chambers and is available…View Profile
Charles Streeten photo Charles Streeten Charles Streeten has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the leading…View Profile
Isabella Tafur photo Isabella Tafur   Isabella is ranked as a leading junior at the Planning Bar…View Profile
Andrew Tait photo Andrew TaitAndrew Tait QC is Head of Chambers. Andrew’s main areas of work…View Profile
Horatio Waller photo Horatio Waller Horatio specialises in planning, infrastructure, licensing, judicial review, education, landlord & tenant,…View Profile
Jonathan Welch photo Jonathan Welch Notable examples of Jonathan’s recent and ongoing work include:  Acting for local…View Profile
Ned Westaway photo Ned Westaway Ned is a highly regarded junior who accepts instructions in a wide…View Profile

Staff Figures

Paul Coveney, Senior Clerk : Clerk
James Kemp, Deputy Senior Clerk, Team Leader : Clerk
Andrew Briton, Principal Clerk Business Development and Research : Clerk
Harry Killick, Team Leader : Clerk
Harry Gamble, Team Leader : Clerk
Grant James, Team Assistant : Clerk
Molly Dumbleton, Team Assistant : Clerk
Vicki Cousins, Chambers' Manager : Administrative Staff
Deirdre Mahon, Marketing Manager : Administrative Staff
Erja Gunn, Receptionist : Administrative Staff

Languages

English

Francis Taylor Building > Set Profile

Francis Taylor Building (FTB) has a long standing reputation for excellence in providing advocacy and advisory services.  FTB is consistently featured as a leading set in the independent legal directories for its expertise and leading role in planning, land valuation, compulsory purchase compensation, infrastructure, environmental, licensing, rating, local government, public law and regulatory law.  Its position at the forefront of these areas of law is evidenced by members consistently appearing in many of the leading cases.

Members of chambers appear in courts at all levels in this country and abroad, including specialist tribunals and public inquiries and undertake specialist advisory work.  The set owes its long-standing reputation for excellence to its wide range of clients, the major projects it handles and the number and quality of its practitioners.  They are also supported by a highly motivated and Professional team of clerks led by Paul Coveney, Senior Clerk.

As part of its specialist practice, FTB undertakes works connected with planning, environment, licensing, major infrastructure projects, transport and works schemes, utilities, highways, rating heritage and conservation, Parliamentary Bills, common land and village greens, minerals, statutory nuisance and regulation, health and safety, environmental crime, compulsory purchase and compensation, land valuation, property law including easements and covenants, religious liberty and ecclesiastical, education and energy.

FTB maintains a panel of qualified and specialist CEDR and ADR accredited mediators.

FTB offers a wide range of client facilities including a dedicated seminar suite to support its established programme of events and an arbitration and mediation suite which complements Chambers’ mediation and ADR expertise.  The premises are fully DDA compliant.

Main Contacts

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Senior Clerk Paul Coveneypaul.coveney@ftbchambers.co.uk020 7353 8415

Staff Figures

58 Members of Chambers. 13 Members of Staff :