The planning and environment team at Carson McDowell is known for handling planning permissions and advising on environmental law requirements across a wide spectrum of industries, such as energy, industrial, and hospitality. Gary McGhee leads the team and is a go-to for major developers for securing planning permission for projects that involve complex environmental considerations. Grant McBurney is highlighted for his expertise defending clients in judicial review proceedings. Faye Phillips and Sarah Dunlop regularly advise on planning applications in the energy sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent knowledge of legal system and current legislation.’
‘Grant McBurney is exceptional. His understanding of complex legal issues is the best I have worked with in over 35 years of industry experience. The entire team are approachable and makes complex issues easy to understand.’
‘The council is very impressed by the team assigned to us. The knowledge and commitment to giving us the best service and advice is paramount to their delivery.’
‘Grant McBurney is our main contact - always very professional, committed and 'on our side'.’
'Gary McGhee is outstanding in terms of his huge knowledge and experience in planning law . He personally led a very difficult and complex case to a satisfactory conclusion for us.'
'The best planning law team in Northern Ireland. A highly professional team, with great people who are easy to communicate with and can steer a project through the most difficult obstacles.'
Key clients
- Islandmagee Energy Limited
- The Port of Belfast
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited
- Belfast International Airport
- System Operator Northern Ireland
- Tesco
- Renewable Energy Systems (UK & Ireland) Limited
- Royal Belfast Golf Club
- Henderson Group
- J H Turkington & Sons Limited
Work highlights
Advising Islandmagee Energy Limited on its applications to obtain marine licence consents to construct 7 large gas storage caverns in the seabed off the coast of Northern Ireland.
Advising System Operator for Northern Ireland on the planning and environmental law requirements surrounding the implementation of the planning permissions authorising the construction of the £140 million North-South electricity interconnector.
Advising Breedon Group in its defence of two sets of judicial review proceedings taken by individual residents against the alleged failure of multiple local councils, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Gary McGhee
Other key lawyers
Grant McBurney; Faye Phillips; Sarah Dunlop