Planning

DLA Piper

Fielding a ‘very commercial, practical’ practice, the Birmingham-based DLA Piper team has vast experience of representing multinational clients in Supreme Court proceedings, alongside assisting with complex site acquisitions and planning policy issues. The department acts on behalf of clients across the transport, finance and sports industries, with the ’immensely knowledgeable’ head Trevor Ivory being an expert in delivering development and infrastructure projects. The ‘very approachable’ Howard Bassford specialises in all aspects of compulsory purchase and local government law matters, whilst Ian Graves is knowledgeable in judicial review cases. Amy Truman focuses on regeneration schemes, and the ’unflappable’ Pieter Claussen has expertise in section 106 agreements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Excellent advice presented in an easily digestible manner. The team uses its significant market reach to provide commercial advice and are often ahead of the game.’
‘Trevor Ivory has an intuitive feel of the planning system, especially where new judgements upset the system. Pieter Claussen diligently executes strategic advice in a user-friendly manner.’
‘I think they are a very commercial, practical set up and are always looking to drive things forward.’
‘Trevor Ivory is immensely knowledgeable, and also calm and unflappable.'
'Pieter Claussen is very clever, and also very energetic.'
‘Knowledge of the planning system and practical application of the system to be able to find pragmatic workable solutions for clients, sometimes with relatively complex planning issues.’
‘The team is absolutely formidable. Its approach is always robust with a constant eye on risk and strategy. They have an excellent capacity to get on top on highly technical matters and large volumes of information and distill them to the key points.'
‘Amy Truman is a director in the team, based in Birmingham, and is well regarded for her calm and considered approach to providing advice. Amy's advice is simple and easy to understand. Amy is also active in encouraging others in the early stages of their career.’

Key clients

HS2 Limited
MEPC
National Grid
National Gas Transmission
Oval Properties
National Highways
Ark Data Centres
East West Rail Company
Pigeon Land Limited
Southend United Football Club
Affinity Water
HS1 Limited
Mace Group
Norfolk Homes Limited
Griffen
Eskmuir
Land Trust
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Cheyne Capital
Investec
Football Association
Busy Bees
LaSalle/Citygrove
Aviva
Tata Group
Aggregate Industries
Cemex
Salesforce
This is Gravity Limited
Manchester Airport Group
Environment Agency
Colt Technology Services
Doncaster MBC
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Hutchison Ports (Europe)
Moda
Blackstone

Work highlights

Advising Oval Real Estate on the redevelopment of a significant area in Birmingham's Digbeth district, navigating challenges posed by numerous protected heritage assets to maximise redevelopment opportunities.
Advising National Grid on several major schemes, including the proposed Grimsby to Walpole Development Consent Order and the Cotswolds and North Wessex Visual Improvement Projects.
Advised Court Lane in relation to an appeal against Buckinghamshire Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a major data centre development within the setting of a listed building in the Buckinghamshire Green Belt.