CMS advises on a wide range of planning matters across development, energy and infrastructure. The team at cover the entire scope of planning law, from traditional developments to large infrastructure projects. Ashley Damiral, who has over 20 years of experience, leads the team and is especially active in data centre development. Martin Evans focuses on large-scale urban regeneration schemes. Robin Hutchinson heads the energy and infrastructure group, and Robert Garden is known for his work on offshore wind projects. Nicola Insley is recognised for her experience in the build to rent market, and Katy Abrahams advises on consenting and protective provisions in the energy and infrastructure. Joshua Risso-Gill left the firm, but the team continues to show growth with the hire of two new associates in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Highly experienced team with a commercial mindset. Deep understanding of planning law.’
‘Joshua Russo-Gill is an excellent lawyer, understands planning law and is experienced in all planning matters. Rajpreet Uppal has been very good to work with too, strong at drafting and supporting Josh.’
‘The best planning team in the business, able to deal with the the full spectrum of planning and infrastructure work, across all sectors - and particularly adept at cross-over issues that overlap with other areas of practice such as property law, competition law, and commercial law.’
‘Ashley Damiral is a leading planning law solicitor and Caroline Stares is an up and coming superstar.’
‘Excellent knowledge of national planning policy and its localised impact. CMS has a great ability to leverage expertise and experience from around the country to inform specific advice.’
‘Ashley Damiral is approachable, pragmatic and presents with great clarity.’
Key clients
- All England Lawn Tennis Ground PLC
- Mitsubishi Estate London
- National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC
- People’s Republic of China
- Equinor and SSE Joint Venture
- Truman Estates Limited and Old Truman Brewery Limited
- National Grid Ventures
- Aviva
- Flotation Energy / Cobra
- SEGRO
- Aviva and (2) Obayashi Properties UK
- SSE Renewables
Work highlights
Advising longstanding CMS client, All England Lawn Tennis Ground PLC, on its once in a generation expansion proposal to deliver an 8,000-seat capacity show court, 38 new grass courts, and a new 21ha publicly accessible park on Wimbledon Park Golf Course.
Advised Mitsubishi on all legal aspects of their proposed development at the former ITV headquarters on the London South Bank at 72 Upper Ground.
Advised the National Grid Electricity Transmission plc on The Eastern Green Link (EGL) projects which are a series of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission cable systems which connect the Scottish and English electricity networks.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Ashley Damiral
Robin Hutchinson
Practice head
Ashley Damiral
Other key lawyers
Martin Evans; Robin Hutchinson; Nicola Insley; Katy Abrahams; Rajpreet Uppal