Howes Percival LLP has a strong planning practice in East Anglia and further afield, and it handles Environmental Impact Assessments and applications for planning permission on behalf of both developers and landowners. Jay Mehta, who works from both Norwich and Cambridge, co-leads the practice along with Paul Hunt in Leicester. 'It truly feels as though they have the client's best interests at the forefront of their advice', clients remark. 'His attention to detail and speed to turn work round has been fantastic', say clients of director Jamie Childs. Mehta and Childs recently acted for Persimmon Homes in several new developments across Suffolk and Essex.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Jamie Childs has been excellent upon every project I have worked alongside him on. His attention to detail and speed to turn work round has been fantastic.’
'Jamie Childs is an excellent planning lawyer. Clear-headed and knowledgeable.'
'Jay Mehta and Jamie Childs are regarded as top-tier planning and development solicitors, and trusted amongst colleagues and clients alike.'
‘Jamie Childs and Jay Mehta are both very experienced, knowledgeable and astute to client's needs to provide clear and credible legal advice on complex matters. Their planning legal knowledge is extensive and always adds value to projects.’
'You feel like you are the most important client, their attention to detail and level of customer experience is exceptional. Their roadshows to update the planning sector on movements in case law and legislation sets them apart from their competitors.'
‘Jay Mehta provides us with expert planning advice and is a valued member of our external project team, advising us on all aspects of planning law. He provides expert advice on all planning law matters including advice on strategy. He consistently provides first rate legal advice, combining best in class advice on planning matters with exceptional commercial awareness.’
'Jay Mehta - highly capable individual with great knowledge and industry experience. Has a real understanding of how to approach matters strategically.'
‘Jay Mehta is a highly regarded and well-respected planning lawyer, with a huge amount of experience in navigating a successful path through complex legislation and case law. Jay is complemented in the team by Beth Boucher, who brings a thoroughly capable and diligent approach to all matters.’
Key clients
- Barratt David Wilson Homes (BDW Trading Limited)
- Minster Property Group Limited
- Saffron Housing Trust Limited
- Tilia Homes Limited
- Pentaco Construction Limited
- Linden (Thurston) LLP
- Linden (Highfields Caldecote) LLP
- Vistry Homes Limited (including Countryside Partnerships)
- Suffolk County Council
- Persimmon Homes
Work highlights
Advised Persimmon Homes Limited on a number of large scale and complex legal agreements including concluding a s.106 agreement for a development of 950 dwellings in Clacton, Essex and a nature-based solution to achieve nutrient neutrality in Norfolk.
Provided legal support to Barratt David Wilson on its 600 dwelling development at Knights Hill, King’s Lynn which secured reserved matters approval in Autumn 2023.
Advised a landowner consortium on the planning law aspects of the disposal of the 3,520 dwelling Beeston Park development to the north of Norwich.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Jay Mehta; Paul Hunt
Other key lawyers
Jamie Childs; Beth Boucher