Operating across the planning sector, the team at Gowling WLG handles a range of matters including compulsory purchase and regeneration schemes alongside commercially-driven, contentious planning work with extensive experience in High Court planning litigation and judicial review. Practice head Vicky Fowler leads on compulsory purchase orders and regeneration projects. The team also consists of Tim Sharp, who focuses on highway and public law cases, and Ben Stansfield, who deals with town and country planning across contentious and non-contentious cases. Laura Nation left the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We find the planning team to be exceptionally knowledgeable, attentive and helpful. The firm has a broad practice, which we find to particularly helpful where litigation matters arise, for example.'
‘Very capable and experienced team that deal with the whole spectrum of planning matters, including in particular, major development and infrastructure projects.’
'Tim Sharp is calm, capable - excellent rapport with clients. Hugely knowledgeable and good commercial instincts. Vicky Fowler is extremely experienced, used to leading major development teams. Trusted and relied on by clients.'
Key clients
- Greater London Authority and family (Transport for London, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation)
- Westminster City Council
- Royal London
- London Borough of Barnet
- Infinis Energy Services
- The Crown Estate
- St. Modwen
- Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
- London Borough of Richmond
- SEGRO
- ArchCo
- Lidl
- National Highways
- Valero Energy
- Bloor Homes
- London Borough of Barking and Dagenham/Be First
- Port of London Authority
- Taylor Wimpey West London
- AMP Clean Energy
Work highlights
Advised Westminster City Council on their Church Street Estate Regeneration Scheme to provide 1,750 homes, a community hub, a health and well-being hub, new retail and an improved street market.
Advised Port of London Authority on three third party energy projects that affect or have the potential to affect the River Thames and the Port of London
Advised Ebbsfleet Development Corporation giving specialist legal advice in relation to the Corporation's planning function, to deliver 15,000 homes and create a 21st century garden city in north Kent at pace.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Vicky Fowler
Other key lawyers
Tim Steele