With an increasing portfolio of instructions across a wide range of mandates, including residential-led urban extensions, residential development sites, industrial projects, and brownfield site regeneration, Freeths LLP‘s team handles all aspects of development planning work, spanning, amongst other things, environmental impact assessments and environmental permitting. At the helm of the practice, Paul Brailsford is a key advisor on large-scale mixed-use proposals, contentious residential developments, and retail-led developments. The team is also comprised of Chris May, who fields a broad-reaching planning practice and is relied upon for his expertise on contentious development proposals; Mark Bassett, who handles land promotion, sustainable urban extension, and residential projects; and Louise Burnett, who focuses on the delivery of affordable housing.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The senior team is extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic, and finds solutions to planning challenges. They adapt well to complex planning applications and get results.’
‘Great communication - regular updates on cases. Good availability to speak with the team. High-quality advice that we trust and excellent drafting of agreements, much of which we now use as standard drafting. Very strong individuals, but strength of knowledge across the team so that if our contact isn't an expert in an issue, someone else will add value where necessary. Quick turnaround of work - delays aren't something that we have to worry about. Consistency of main contact helps develop excellent working relationships and trust.’
‘Louise Burnett is an exceptional associate. We have worked with her for several years and her advice, knowledge, and drafting are all excellent. She has good commercial awareness to give pragmatic advice. Great communication skills and her no-nonsense approach mean we achieve excellent outcomes.’
‘Chris May is always contactable and offers pragmatic advice, even dealing with complex planning law matters.’
‘Really good firm to work with - wide range of quality work - in several locations in the country. Real expertise in residential, retail, industrial and DCO work.’
‘Paul Brailsford - Partner and Head of Planning - I have worked with Paul for years on a wide range of projects, including housing, logistics, retail, and hotel development. Highly experienced, tenacious and effective - with a loyal client base.’
‘Always efficient and providing a high-quality, effective service.’
‘Stephanie Gozney always goes above and beyond. She's worked on a high number of agreements and provides valuable continuity and consistency in the context of working with many different planning officers. Her attention to detail and providing complex advice clearly and straightforwardly is invaluable and she is always a pleasure to work with.’
'I have been working with Paul Brailsford for years and highly recommend him. He leads his team well and they are approachable and helpful.'
'Stephanie Gozney is exceptional when negotiating S106 agreements.'
Key clients
- Woodall Homes
- Allison Homes
- Hallam Land Management Ltd
- Cranswick Country Foods PLC
- Leicester City Council
- Amatrix (a Brookfield Group Company)
- Tonic
- Freshwater
- Lindum Group
- Boutique Care
- Genesis Homes
Work highlights
Advised Amatrix on the promotion of 22 hectares of land south of Grantham for allocation for employment uses in the Local Plan.
Advising Allison Homes on all planning matters in respect of the promotion of a 65ha site for a residential-led development, near Stamford, both through the Local Plan and an outline planning application.
Advising Biofarm Ltd during its business design phase on the legal and regulatory landscape for creating markets in “biodiversity units” from landowners, helping developers meet biodiversity net gain requirements.
Lawyers
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.
Louise Burnett
Practice head
Paul Brailsford; Chris May; Mark Bassett
Other key lawyers
Louise Burnett; Stephanie Gozney