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.’
‘The team has excellent coverage of the planning and environment market in the South East.’
‘Boutique firm which is well respected in this specialist area and involved in heavy hitting work, particularly contentious matters. National reach and well--connected and -respected within the industry.’
‘Outstanding commercial hub with multi specialism commercial team all in one place. Providing outstanding combined knowledge and expertise.’
‘Michael Harman provides an outstanding level of knowledge, professionalism and expertise, he is our first port of call on legal matters.’
Key clients
- Braintree District Council
- Colchester City Council
- Pelham Structures Limited
- Castle Point Borough Council
- Fristling Hall Farm
- Harlow District Council
- Babergh Mid Suffolk District Council
- Rochford District Council
- Aspire Luxury Homes Limited
- Chelmsford Cars & Commercials Limited
- Colchester United Hospitality Limited
- Fristling Hall Farm Limited
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.
Successfully represented a client in a landmark CAAD appeal.
Advised Colchester City Council in relation to complex S106 Agreements.
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