Described as 'a top planning set', 39 Essex Chambers' team continues to handle a high volume of complex, prominent planning, environment and infrastructure cases in both the public and private sector. James Strachan KC is acting for the Secretary of State for Transport in ongoing proceedings concerning the proposed construction of a road tunnel under Stonehenge. Among the junior end of chambers, Juan Lopez represents developers and infrastructure clients in a wide range of planning cases, and Victoria Hutton brings extensive experience in advising on environmental and energy law matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Position
Barrister acting in all areas of major infrastructure (specialising in all aspects of energy and transportation infrastructure, DCOs and TWAOs), planning (including the promotion of large housing-led and mixed use regeneration schemes), energy and environmental law, real and commercial property, construction and commercial disputes (UK and international), compulsory purchase, land valuation/compensation, and highways (including rights of way). Cases include Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea [2021] Borough-wide digital fixed line infrastructure wayleave agreement; Thornhill Estates Ltd v SSCLG [2019] Development benefits and mitigations in planning.
Career
Called to the Bar of England and Wales [2002], Sir Thomas More Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn) [2002].
Memberships
National Infrastructure Planning Association, Planning and Environment Bar Association, Compulsory Purchase Association, United Kingdom Environmental Law Association.
Education
ICSL, London (BVC: Very Competent) [2003].
Content supplied by 39 Essex Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Juan is highly strategic and effective. He’s sharp and focused in cross-examination and while he likes to get to the detail, he doesn’t lose focus on the key points that matter and upon which he bases his closings.'