Through its ‘very knowledgeable and always available’ planning and infrastructure team, Lester Aldridge LLP is a leading authority on planning agreements, contentious planning matters, and ecological schemes and transactions. An expert on contentious and non-contentious planning mandates, Tom Alder heads the team and is highly sought-after among developers in the residential and care sectors on major developments across the south coast. A further key contact is the ’very diligent and technically minded’ Matt Gilks, who offers deep experience on planning applications, appeals, and judicial reviews for residential, mixed-use, and affordable housing developments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The whole team is particularly approachable and very up-to-date with all matters regarding the environment and planning legislation.’
‘The team are an absolute pleasure to work with. Very knowledgeable and always available to seek advice from.'
'As there is a wide range of experience in the team they can always assist with any project we have.’
'Lester Aldridge displays the commitment and legal nous to ensure that matters are effectively communicated to clients, in a way that is relevant to the real issues in hand.'
‘Tom Alder knows all that is worth knowing about planning law.'
‘Matt Gilks is an outstanding partner. He is very approachable and always offers robust advice. He is my go-to planning solicitor due to both his friendliness and experience.’
Key clients
- McCarthy Stone
- Bargate Homes
- C & G Properties
- Captiva Homes
- CHG Developments Limited
- Big Yellow Self Storage
- Dandara Southern
- Wyatt Homes
- Cavanna Homes
- Harry Ferguson Farms
- TA Fisher & Sons Limited
- Trant Group
Work highlights
Represented Captiva Homes as an Interested Party in a judicial review which sought to overturn planning permission for a 500-home development, one of the largest in Isle of Wight’s history.
Represented for The Woodland Trust in a judicial review challenging planning permission for the expansion of a major chicken rearing facility in Monmouthshire.
Represented housebuilder TA Fisher & Sons Limited in a judicial review challenging the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities' decision to grant planning permission to AWE PLC, which oversees the UK's nuclear deterrent programme.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Tom Alder
Other key lawyers
Matt Gilks