With a strong focus on the living sector, Shoosmiths offers expertise in purpose-built student accommodation, build-to-rent, and aparthotel developments. The Scottish practice is led by Geraint Hughes, who advises housebuilders, landowners, retailers, and financiers on both contentious and non-contentious planning issues. Lee Murphy joined the firm as a consultant in June 2023 and frequently advises on residential projects, wind farms and mixed-use developments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Not only will Geraint Hughes get the legal matters right, but he will also be on the money in terms of our options commercially. Geraint focuses on what matters for the client and that is invaluable.’
‘Geraint Hughes's knowledge of the planning system and its intricate complexities really sets him above the rest. He knows our business, understands our requirements, and is on hand to offer expert planning and legal advice when required.’
‘Shoosmiths LLP provides a good planning team.’
‘Geraint Hughes provided good advice and dealt with issues in a timely manner.’
Key clients
- Sigma Capital Property Limited
- Watkin Jones plc
- Carmichael Homes
- The High School of Glasgow
- Park Lane (Glasgow) Limited
- The PRS REIT plc
- UK PRS (Jersey) Properties I Limited
- Aberdeen City Council
- Bellway Homes
- Welsh Power
Work highlights
Co-counselled with Latham and Watkins on the acquisition of a 25% stake worth £522 billion by PTTEP from Total Energies in the worlds deepest fixed bottom offshore windfarm, Seagreen.
Provided planning advise in respect of £240 million worth of BTR projects across the UK for Sigma Capital Property Limited, UK PRS (Jersey) Properties I Limited and the PRS REIT plc.
Assisted Aberdeen City Council on the conclusion of planning legal agreements to secure approx. 500 dwellings and PBSA beds.
Lawyers
Practice head
Geraint Hughes
Other key lawyers
Lee Murphy