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Planning

Harriet Townsend KC

Harriet Townsend KC

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Cornerstone Barristers

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

Position

Planning; environmental law; local government; property.

Career

Harriet specialises in planning, environmental, local government and related property law. Her clients include individuals, local authorities, solicitors, planning consultants and developers working throughout England and Wales, whom she represents at inquiry, tribunal and in the High Court.

Her recent work includes: promoting contentious compulsory purchase orders - as well as handling complex disputes over compensation; promoting significant and sensitive heritage projects; advising on recent and proposed changes to the CIL Regulations; advising on the Habitats Directive following the People over Wind ruling of the ECJ; objecting to a village green application; promoting basement proposals in central London; and resisting a major windfarm proposal for Powys County Council at appeal in March 2018.

Recent cases include: For Suffolk Coastal District resisting the appeal by Persimmon Homes at Bell Lane, Kesgrave [APP/J3530/W/16/3160194] - on 20 July 2018 the Inspector found in favour of the Council's assessment of housing land supply, and the substantial conflict with the development plan strategy, so dismissing the appeal.

Accredited mediator.

Publications of note: one of the many contributing editors (as local government law specialist) to Jowitt’s Dictionary of English Law; contributor to Cornerstone on Councillor Conduct (published 2015).

Called to the Bar in 1992.

Memberships

Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA); UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA); Compulsory Purchase Association; Justice.

Education

Oxford Brookes University (1988 BSc Mathematics and Economics 1st class); University of East Anglia (PGCE Mathematics teaching to A-level).

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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.'