Blacks Solicitors LLP offers strategic guidance on large-scale developments, including residential, commercial, retail, business parks, and mixed-use projects. The firm manages all aspects of the planning application process, from negotiating complex planning obligations to securing permissions and proposals. The ‘extremely diligent’ Emma Thomas joined from Knights plc in January 2025 and now heads the team, bringing expertise in planning permissions, Section 106 and infrastructure agreements, and biodiversity net gain. She is supported by the ’thorough’ Katy McPhie.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Emma Thomas provides us with excellent legal advice in respect of planning matters.'
'They are a safe pair of hands who work effectively and quickly to provide legal advice and strategy when needed.'
‘Attention to detail. Experience. Can-do attitude.’
- 'Emma Thomas has always been extremely diligent and responsive to queries, navigating the complexities of s106 Agreements and dealing with matters quickly and effectively. Her approach has always been confident and personable, happy to provide frequent updates where necessary. I would certainly recommend Emma's knowledge and expertise to anyone in the sector.’
‘Katy McPhie is absolutely thorough with her advice, and will provide that to timescales requested. Her advice is backed up with sound reasoning, and she will look at the commercial realities as well as the strict legal position.'
'We haven't worked with Blacks Solicitors yet, but we are moving work with Emma Thomas from Knights who we rate highly for planning related legal work.'
They are super responsive and always offering suggestions or solutions to problems.'
'Emma Thomas - Always available, and responsive to all queries no matter how curveball!'
'Blacks has a great overview of most significant land deals in the area and experience of the complexities of dealing with local planning departments.'
'Emma has always been extremely diligent and responsive to queries, navigating the complexities of s106 Agreements and dealing with matters quickly and effectively. Her approach has always been confident and personable, happy to provide frequent updates where necessary.'
Key clients
- Lidl Great Britain Limited
- Harmony Energy Income Trust PLC
Work highlights
Acted for Harmony Energy Income Trust plc in relation to the planning aspects of a £130 million battery portfolio refinance.
Acted for Heywood Homes in respect of its low carbon residential development in West Yorkshire with a GDV of approximately £12.9 million.
Acted for Lidl in obtaining planning permission for two new retail units with floorspace of approximately 50,000 sq ft (combined) with a value of approximately £8 million.
Lawyers
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
Emma Thomas
Other key lawyers
Katy McPhie