We are a dedicated planning team based in London. We are recognised for our expertise in a wide range of planning and compulsory purchase related matters, including in relation to both mixed use development and major infrastructure projects. We are acknowledged as market leaders in town and country planning and the various onshore and offshore energy consenting regimes.
 
We assist developer, investor, occupier and authority clients with all aspects of the planning process, from initial strategic advice and application preparation to appeal and legal challenge work. A full list of our expertise is set out below.
        
We regularly work on intricate planning and consenting proposals, including some of the most complex infrastructure projects in the country, giving us unrivalled experience in this field. Our recent focus has been on energy infrastructure, including major electricity transmission and wind generation projects.
 
We pride ourselves in having long standing relationships with our clients, which gives us an excellent understanding of their approach and needs, and a deep understanding of their business areas, particularly in the retail, residential, hotels and energy sectors. This sector focus enables us to deliver commercial, solutions-focussed advice as part of an overall strategy to secure the right consent, on time and safe from challenge.
 
Relevant expertise:

• Strategic planning advice throughout all stages of the process  
• Preparation of application materials for major development and infrastructure projects
• Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Appraisal 
• Consultation strategy 
• Public inquiries 
• Judicial reviews and appeals in higher courts 
• Compulsory purchase and compensation 
• S106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy 
• Development Consent Orders and the Major Infrastructure Planning Unit 
• Marine licenses 
• S36 Electricity Act consents 
• Transport and Works Act Orders  
• Highways, sewers and other infrastructure agreements 
• Planning conditions 
• Heritage (scheduled ancient monuments, listed buildings and conservation areas) 
• Village green and common land 
• Enforcement appeals 
• Local authority powers 
• Rating, including Lands Tribunal inquiries 
• Representation on LDFs 
• Due diligence on corporate transactions

Recent Projects/Consents:

Sainsbury's - Many retail developments across the UK, including a 90,000 square feet supermarket in Wolverhampton. This follows the Supreme Court win in the case of R (Sainsbury’s Supermarket Ltd) v Wolverhampton City Council & Anor [2010] UKSC 20, which is now the leading judgment on planning compulsory purchase powers.
 
Berkeley Homes - Telereal Site, Warwick Road, Kensington. 158 residential units (99 market, 59 affordable).
 
Westminster City Council - Paddington North Wharf Gardens. 434 residential units (289 market, 145 affordable).
 
Wellcome Trust - Bentley House, Euston Road. 184 student accommodation bedspaces.
 
Crest - Bristol Harbourside, Phase 4. 170 market residential units. The last phase of a 10-year development.
 
EDPR - Moray Firth Round 3 offshore wind farm.
 
JV between National Grid (NGET) and Scottish Power (SPT Upgrades Limited) - Western HVDC Link project.