Clarke Willmott LLP is a trusted advisor to developers, investors, councils, utilities companies, banks, and landowners on a broad range of energy and projects mandates in both the private and public sectors. The team has extensive experience with commercial property, planning, construction, regulatory, banking, corporate, and litigation, and is knowledgeable in all major technologies, including onshore wind, solar, battery storage, gas, heat networks, and electric vehicles. The practice is led by Laurence Lacey, who is highly proficient in low-carbon projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Excellent practical advice on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) is provided by partner Michelle Spark, who is familiar with all project stages, from pre-application and project consenting to post-decision, construction, and discharge of requirements. She is also experienced in the preparation of planning performance agreements to resource engagement in NSIP projects. Michelle has a balanced and pragmatic approach and is excellent at working as part of a project team. She is proactive at solving problems and is experienced in supporting local authority engagement in the NSIP process.
- Sound legal advice on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) is provided for all project stages, from pre-application and project consenting to post-decision, construction, and discharge of requirements.
- Experienced and knowledgeable partners, they do the groundwork at the outset.
Key clients
- British Gas
- Castle Water
- Cheshire West and Chester Council
- Cornwall Council
- Corona Energy
- Farm Energy
- Green Agri
- Horizon Environmental Services Ltd
- Maxen Power Supply
- OVO Energy/OVO Group
- Ripple Energy
- Sonomatic Ltd
Work highlights
Advising Farm Energy on a multisite programme of private wire and offsite solar and battery projects, delivering comprehensive property, planning and grid-related support—from heads of terms and site assembly through to fundable documentation—to enable co-located generation for major energy users and secure efficient, bankable project delivery.
Acting as land assembly and delivery counsel for Cornwall Council on the NSR road scheme, handling title diligence, land acquisitions, works licences and the interaction with other infrastructure, such as Network Rail, to secure access and unlock highway connections supporting regional growth.
Advising Triodos Bank on specialist project financing that underpins low‑impact, future‑focused energy and natural‑capital initiatives, including bespoke loan facilities enabling large‑scale woodland creation, biodiversity‑net‑gain delivery, and other ESG‑aligned projects.
Practice head
Laurence Lacey