Remaining a strong option for public sector planning matters, Ashurst work for a number of major developers, landowners and large public bodies, and show breadth within development and infrastructure planning. The firm is under joint leadership from Trevor Goode, who advises on statutory challenges and compulsory purchase matters, and Claire Dutch, who focuses on environmental impact assessments. The team has grown this year with the promotion of Charles Reid to partner in May 2024, who works alongside another key partner, Ben Groves, who is experienced in judicial reviews.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Led by two experienced professionals with a track record of success. In particular Claire Dutch, joint head of planning, excels.’
‘Claire Dutch whom I have successfully worked with for 25 years on strategic and complex sites. A leader in her specialist field but at the same time a team player. She is a good strategist respected by the client team and barristers alike.’
‘Highly focused, expert practice with considerable practical and legal ability providing an excellent service to their clients and from the Bar's perspective, being good to work with.’
- 'Ashurst Planning Practice are an exceptional legal team, But their main strength is the way in which the collaborate with the entire client and consultant team. This is often the most effective way to find successful solutions to the most complex issues and to develop a strategy to take the project forward.'
- 'Claire Dutch is one of the brightest and best planning lawyers around - she always delivers practical straight-forward advice. You really want her working on the project from conception - she has a keen eye for strategy and navigating through complex legal points.'
- 'Trevor Goode, Clare Dutch and Ben Groves all meet the highest standards in terms of legal knowledge and practical advice and experience. Working with them is always a good experience since exchanges of ideas and advice are always well understood and the communication is helpful and beneficial to the client.'
Key clients
- E&A Strategic Land
- Heathrow
- Encyclis and Biffa
- Fusion Group
- Lendlease
- The Greater London Authority and Transport for London
- British Land
- Berkeley
- Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)
- Countryside Vistry
- Greystar Europe Holdings Limited
- Panattoni
Work highlights
Acting for Greystar on its £1bn The Bermondsey Project, in South London, including securing planning permission and advising on the planning aspects of Greystar's £600m debt facility for the project (secured through a consortium of four lenders) as well as its agreement for the delivery of the scheme's social housing by London Square (those units to be operated and owned by its registered provider Square Roots).
Advising Lendlease on one of the most high profile and headline-grabbing schemes in London – the regeneration of the High Road West site in Tottenham, Haringey, immediately adjacent to Tottenham Hotspurs Football Stadium.
Advised Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) on high-profile developments in London, including most recently the proposed £10bn redevelopment of the former Earl's Court Exhibition Centre, the largest empty site in central London, to create a new cultural destination and 4,000 new homes, within the context of which we are advising on a significant package of transport measures, including enhancements to three Underground/railway stations and walking and cycling improvements.
Lawyers
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
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Practice head
Claire Dutch; Trevor Goode
Other key lawyers
Charles Reid; Ben Groves