Shakespeare Martineau LLP continues to be a chief point of contact for master developers, land promoters, landowners, housebuilders, and local authorities, amongst others, on a diverse planning offering which spans litigation, development, and the negotiation of planning obligations. Spearheading the practice is Paul Wakefield, who is engaged by local authorities and private clients on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious planning matters. Increasingly specialising in build-to-rent developments, Kylie Wesson also advises on judicial review, appeals, and s.106 agreements, while Julie Russell chiefly focuses on major infrastructure projects, where she is relied upon from conception to decision.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Engaged and offers exactly the kind of support counsel needs.’
‘Expert legal knowledge – The team stays up to date with the latest case law, ensuring accurate and strategic advice.’
‘Paul Wakefield makes even the most complex legal matters easy to understand, and he’s always the person I turn to for advice when things are particularly complicated. His responsiveness and expertise always reassure me that I'm in good hands.’
‘Paul and team always go above and beyond for us. They are always happy to assist with any queries we have and will point us in the right direction. Invoicing is prompt, and fee quotes are honest, with billing never being a surprise. They always achieve a positive outcome for us.’
‘I really value the fact that I can just pick up the phone to ask Paul questions. He is approachable and available, and always willing to help. We rarely use other planning legal teams now as we can't find the same level or service anywhere else.’
'Very helpful and a great complimentary service to their planning team.'
'Paul Wakefield - always comes back quickly with an answer/solution to any queries.'
'Paul Wakefield has consistently provided an unparalleled understanding of legal planning matters, in particular dealing with complex Section 106 agreements across consortiums for multi phase developments and variations to existing historic agreements for large urban extensions.'
'The practice takes a people first approach, spending the time getting to know their clients and their businesses, how they act independently and their position within the sector. This approach results in an excellent level of service and understanding of client needs, pre-empting their clients expectations and needs every time.'
'Professional, responsive and well informed.'
Key clients
- Strata Homes Limited
- International Students House
- L&Q Housing Trust
- Members of the NFU
- National Farmers’ Union
- BDW
- Summix BLT Developments Limited
- XPO Transport Solutions UK Limited
- Willshee’s Waste & Recycling Ltd
- Fred Sherwood Group Limited
- Walsall Housing Group
- The Habitat Bank
- Rainier Developments Limited
- Manor Oak Homes
- Rutland County Council
- Court BD Limited
- MyPad 2020 Limited
- Davidsons Homes
Work highlights
Advising Strata Homes Limited in connection with planning and highways issues, includingthe stopping up of bridleways on a development site in Nottingham
Advising Rutland County Council in relation to a development forming part of the Stamford North sustainable urban extension.
Advising the NFU in relation to a legal challenge to Herefordshire Council’s Minerals and Waste Local Plan.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Paul Wakefield
Other key lawyers
Kylie Wesson; Julie Russell