Cornerstone Barristers is 'one of the leading sets for planning law work'. Members routinely advise public authorities and private clients in a wide range of matters, including complex development disputes, judicial reviews and major planning inquiries. Recent instructions for the group include Thomas Cosgrove KC representing Guildford Borough Council in a planning inquiry into a proposed residential development project on a site in the immediate vicinity of Guildford Cathedral, while Richard Ground KC appeared for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in a called-in planning inquiry concerning planning permission for the development of a prominent film studio within the Green Belt. Ruchi Parekh has 'considerable expertise in planning and environmental law'. Harriet Townsend KC took silk in March 2025.
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Profile
Work Department
Planning, compulsory purchase, local government, town and village greens, judicial review and environment.
Position
Richard appeared in recent large Planning Inquiries including.
- Cribbs Causeway major called in inquiry into very substantial retail expansion. Four QCs appeared at Inquiry.
- South Oxfordshire housing inquiry which involved a detailed housing land supply argument where Richard’s clients were successful.
- Bramshill Mansion and Registered Park inquiry. This was substantial inquiry over 5 weeks involving 3 QCs into highly significant and complicated applications for very sensitive Grade I heritage assets where Richard appeared for Historic England.
- Chiswick Curve. This was recovered jurisdiction inquiry into the tallest proposed building in West London at 32 storeys. This was a 4-week inquiry with very significant effects on large parts of West London.
- R (oao Cotham school) v Bristol City Council [2018] EWHC 1022 (Admin) Richard’s clients successfully challenged decision to register village green.
Career
Called 1994, Inner Temple.
Memberships
Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA); Compulsory Purchase Association (CPA); National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA)
Education
St Paul’s School; St John’s College, Cambridge (1992 MA Cantab).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Daryl Hughes and his team are great to work with.'
- 'Daryl Hughes' service has been exemplary - timely and highly efficient.'
- 'Daniel Gatt is a delight to work with - always helpful and accommodating.'
- 'Very approachable clerks.'
- 'An excellent set with a first rate reputation, especially for planning law.'
- 'Cornerstone are able to accommodate any planning-related brief.'
- 'A well organised set with a depth of planning experience from the very senior silks to juniors.'
- 'Cornerstone is a well regarded planning and public law set, especially for public authorities.'