Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s planning and environment team has extensive experience acting for clients on significant infrastructure developments. Team lead Brendan Martyn is a go-to for public bodies, including local councils, and has deep knowledge of the transport and renewables sectors. Consultant Karen Blair also stands out, having been notably instructed to advise Dalradian Gold in relation to a proposed gold mine. Regulatory and enforcement matters are key to Stephen Masterson‘s work, while Lauren Agnew and Caitlin McPeake are highlighted for supporting the team on judicial review challenges.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great depth and breadth of experience over a variety of sectors. Extremely capable and pleasant team.’

  • ‘Brendan Martyn is knowledgeable and makes everything seem effortless. Nothing is problematic.’

  • 'Brendan Martyn has taken over from Karen Blair, ensuring continuity of the excellence that has been CFR's hallmark for many years.'

  • 'Brendan Martyn - leads the team. Enormous experience in public and private sector planning work. Lauren Agnew - an important addition to the team, growing in assurance and sureness of touch.'

  • 'Stephen Masterson and Brendan Martyn are incredibly diligent. Their cases are always prepared meticulously and well in advance, ensuring counsel are fully prepared when approaching any court date, mediation or negotiation.'

Key clients

  • Ards & North Down Borough Council
  • Dalradian Gold Limited
  • John Andrews & Co Limited
  • Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
  • Belfast City Airport Limited
  • Assured Energy LLP
  • C&V Developments Limited
  • Mid Ulster District Council
  • Choice Housing Ireland Limited
  • Ards & North Down Borough Council
  • Dalradian Gold Limited
  • John Andrews & Co Limited

Work highlights

Advising Dalradian Gold Limited on all consenting and operational aspects of its proposed gold mine development in Co Tyrone, representing an investment to date of over £160 million, including the commencement in 2025 of the Public Inquiry before the Planning Appeals Commission.
Acting for Mid-Ulster District Council in relation to a Section 76 Planning Agreement regarding a planning application which had been called in by the Department for Infrastructure for the redevelopment of a former school site and adjacent wetlands open space provision.
Advising Assured Energy LLP in relation to an enforcement appeal regarding an anaerobic digestion site involving radical new nitrate reducing technology.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

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Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Brendan Martyn

Other key lawyers

Stephen Masterson; Lauren Agnew; Caitlin McPeake