Winckworth Sherwood LLP’s social housing team acts for profit and non-profit registered providers and private residential developers on complex planning, building safety, governance, rent caps and joint ventures. The practice is jointly led by a trio of experienced partners: Charlie Proddow, who specialises in property development and estate regeneration; Charlotte Cook, who focuses on planning and construction matters, and Will Rutter, who is renowned for his work on disposals and acquisitions of tenanted and leaseholder properties. Promoted to partner in March 2025, Matt Cowen is a core member of the team and advises registered providers on mergers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A friendly team of associates who have quick turnaround times and strong peer review of work. We find that our relationship partner stays in close contact and is brought in on more complex transactions or to cross-market other departments within the law firm, which is helpful.’
‘A stand-out quality of the team is their friendliness and approachability, and they have taken the time to get to know the individual members of our team, which makes working alongside them feel effortless.'
‘We have used WS for a long time and relationships are strong and the team provides all the services we require to a good professional standard.’
‘Charlotte Cook is excellent.’
'Extremely knowledgeable and a delight to work with.'
Key clients
- A2Dominion
- Asett Homes
- Bpha
- Clarion
- Evolve Housing + Support
- Golding
- Grand Union
- Hightown
- Housing 21
- Hyde
- Hyelm
- Limpsfield and Oxted Cottage Society Limited
Work highlights
Advising on the regulatory elements of the sale of L&Q’s private rented sector business, Metra.
Advising Longhurst on its merger with Grand Union.
Advised Legal and General on the establishment of a dedicated affordable fund to deliver affordable housing across England.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Charlie Proddow; Will Rutter; Charlotte Cook
Other key lawyers
Matt Cowen