The social housing practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises local authorities, registered providers, and housing associations on housing management, construction, and development matters. The practice is co-led by the London-based Andrew Casstles, who represents housing associations in development and property transactions, and the Basingstoke-based Linda Storey. Mark Sellers specialises in acting for registered providers in acquisitions, and real estate litigation expert Ben Robinson, who advises clients on building safety, is another core member of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Pennington's team works collaboratively across all their various departments, bringing in expertise from across the business to help resolve legal negotiations and supply timely advice.’
‘Andrew Casstles id very knowledgeable of the affordable housing new build development sector, quick to respond and assists with queries and suggest appropriate solutions to move contract negotiations forward at a pace.’
- 'Approachable and responsive, with very good attention to detail.'
- 'Penningtons Manches Cooper’s social housing team combines deep sector knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach.'
- 'Andrew Casstles has extensive knowledge and experience and gives clear advice.'
Key clients
- London Borough of Havering
- Paragon Asra Housing
- Newlon Housing Trust and Newlon Build Limited
- Peabody Trust / Peabody Construction Limited
- CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund
- Heylo Housing Group
- Hightown Housing Association
- Watford Community Homes
- bpha Limited
- Saxon Weald
- Accent Housing
- Abri Group Limited
Work highlights
Acting for a for-profit registered provider on the acquisition of a significant portfolio (174 homes) of newly built and stabilised affordable rented and shared ownership homes.
Acting for Clarion on the purchase of 125 Section 106 and PRS homes from Bellway, held under Homes England building leases.
Acting for Watford Community Housing Trust on the acquisition of 119 newly constructed affordable homes from Sage Housing.
Practice head
Andrew Casstles; Linda Storey
Other key lawyers
Mark Sellers; Ben Robinson; Naomi Roper