Offering broad ‘experience and specialist skills’ on planning and development matters, Holmes & Hills possesses a stellar reputation on contentious cases. The planning law department is headed by Steven Hopkins and Michael Harman: Hopkins acts for developers, landowners, and councils across planning appeals, enforcement issues, and judicial reviews; Harman ’provides an outstanding level of knowledge, professionalism and expertise’, with a particular niche concerning blight claims, compulsory purchase orders, and development consent orders. An expert in planning applications, Sarah Hare advises developers and local authorities on the negotiation of section 106 agreements concerning residential, commercial, and ecological sites. Jo Lilliott is ‘extremely competent and knowledgeable’ when assisting public sector clients on section 106 agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A very complementary range of experience and specialist skills exists within the team, so that it is able to provide a wide spectrum of advice on planning and development matters.’
‘A very knowledgeable planning team.’
Key clients
- Braintree District Council
- Colchester City Council
Work highlights
Advised Braintree District Council to finally dispose of a planning application seeking outline planning application with all matters reserved except for access for the demolition of all buildings and structures, and for the erection of 350 dwellings.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Steven Hopkins; Michael Harman
Other key lawyers
Sarah Hare; Jo Lilliott; Ellie Hambling; Catherine Hibbert