Osborne Clarke LLP‘s ’commercially aware’ planning team has particularly strong expertise in energy mandates. Practice co-head Neil Bromwich has carved out a practice in Energy Act and Highways Act CPOs, while also advising on matters relating to EV charging, blue and green hydrogen, and biodiversity net gain. Also leading the team, Matthew Germain is active within the environment and sustainability side of the practice. With significant expertise in residential development matters, Richard Harding’s practice includes advice on s106 agreements, rights of way issues, and affordable housing work, with Josh Taylor taking the lead on energy matters and DCOs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A fantastically knowledgeable and commercially aware planning team who are able to turn their expertise to any task asked of them. My experience of the planning team at Osborne Clarke has been universally positive across a wide range of areas, whether that is advising on high-risk sites likely to progress to planning appeal, or offering advice on site-specific legal issues - every time the response has been quick, positive and robust.'
‘Richard Harding in the Osborne Clarke Planning team is exceptional. Consistently offering expert advice on a series of issues, drafting easily digestible advice notes covering difficult topics and ad-hoc responses on queries.'
‘The team at Osborne Clarke is knowledgeable and diligent. They provide documentation to summarise key aspects of the project and detailed breakdowns when billing. Their experience of the planning regime is impressive. Their communication style is clear, and they ensure deadlines are met in a timely manner.’
‘Josh Taylor provided excellent assistance on our latest project, and impressed our wider team who have not been as involved throughout. The rest of us already knew how good he was!'
‘A very effective and well-managed legal team, responding to our legal queries in an effective, reliable and timely fashion. ’
‘I have been working regularly with Josh Taylor over the last 12 months. He has helped us lead major energy projects, including the successful consent for our first green hydrogen plant and a 350MW energy storage scheme in Wales. He is a safe pair of hands and a trusted adviser on all types of energy and energy transition projects – showing calmness and pragmatism in tackling difficult consenting issues and legal challenges. ’
Key clients
- Barratt David Wilson Homes
- Taylor Wimpey
- Ecotricity
- RWE Generation UK plc
- National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc
- National Grid Electricity Distribution PLC
- Vistry Group
- The Hill Group
- Foresight Group
- Wessex Water (Entrade)
Work highlights
Provided full-service consenting strategy and advice to Ecotricity across a three-year period to help secure consent for one of the UK's largest co-located solar and energy storage Development Consent Orders.
Acting for Barratt Homes in connection with a joint venture with Persimmon Homes for the delivery of a major residential-led urban extension at Ashton Park in Trowbridge for 2,500 homes.
Advising Vistry in connection with the proposed development of c.1,300 homes at Tangmere, Chichester – a strategic development location assembled with the use of compulsory purchase powers and involving a complex s.106 agreement.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Richard Harding
Josh Taylor
Practice head
Neil Bromwich; Matthew Germain; John Baird
Other key lawyers
Richard Harding; Josh Taylor