Birketts LLP is ‘a one-stop shop for services to clients for land deals, promotions or s106 agreements’. The firm has an impressive roster of public and private sector clients for both planning and environment matters, among them regional and national housebuilders, local authorities, strategic developers, and corporates. ’True powerhouse’ Tom Newcombe in Cambridge and Deborah Sharples in Ipswich lead a group that ‘combines a truly personal service with the strength in depth which really adds value to the transactions’. Nicola Doole, Chloe Glason and public access specialist Camilla Rhodes also play key roles in the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A focused team covering all aspects of planning. They have expertise that cover all areas of planning and development, making them a one-stop shop for services to clients for land deals, promotions or s106 agreements.’
‘My work is largely with Tom Newcombe - I welcome his transparent approach to matters, the ability to discuss around the subject to ensure the right outcome is achieved in all instances for the client.'
‘Birketts has a very strong planning team, with experienced and dedicated staff who know exactly what is required in any situation from large to small transactions. Their greatest strength in my view is being able to combine providing a truly personal service with having the kind of strength in depth which really adds value to the transactions they are a part of.'
‘Tom Newcombe continues to be a true powerhouse, and someone in whom I have complete trust. Tom and his team have been excellent in guiding me through the various processes involved.’
‘The team is highly experienced in this area of law. Their collective experience, particularly on procedural issues, is second to none. You feel in very competent and safe hands with them. The team really works together to achieve the best outcome for clients and you really get a sense that they work in a supportive atmosphere, which in turn best supports clients.’
‘Deborah Sharples - incredibly knowledgeable in her area of expertise. Has a real common sense approach that enables her to provide complex advice in a way that is easy to understand. Her wealth of experience is evident in all that she does and gives her a real edge in the market. Wonderful to work with.'
Key clients
- Hopkins Homes Limited
- Vistry Group
- Countryside Partnerships (now part of Vistry Group)
- Brentwood Borough Council
- Breckland District Council
- Crest Nicholson PLC
- Hill Residential
- Mersea Homes Limited
- Welcome Break Services PLC
- Persimmon Homes
- Denbury Homes
- Stonebond Properties Limited
Work highlights
Advised Welcome Break Services on all the legal agreements/consents required to secure outline planning permission for a new Motorway Service Area at Iver (Junctions 15 and 16 of the M25).
Advised a significant waste management business in relation to an investigation by the Environment Agency into the export of a consignment of waste which it was alleged did not comply with trans-frontier shipment regulations.
Advised South Norfolk Council in relation to a large anaerobic digester site including relation to unauthorised development, planning applications made, environmental impact, Certificates of Lawfulness, enforcement and the service of enforcement notice and a successful public inquiry.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Nicola Doole
Chloe Glason
Practice head
Tom Newcombe; Deborah Sharples
Other key lawyers
Chloe Glason; Camilla Rhodes; Nicola Doole