Planning
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7227 7000About
Provided by BDB Pitmans LLP
As the largest specialist team in the UK, BDB’s collective experience includes acting for two-thirds of transport projects under the Planning Act 2008 regime; completing more DCO applications than any other law firm and having a 100% track record for consent. The team project manages all areas of delivery and provides strategic and tactical advice on planning matters during their entire life cycle. The team also includes four Roll A Parliamentary Agents and they have advised on both private and hybrid bills, including HS2, Crossrail and other major infrastructure projects.
The team’s work on DCOs and similar ‘special consents’ mean they regularly interact and negotiate with the Environment Agency, Natural England, the Marine Management Organisation, Historic England, National Grid, Network Rail, and Highways England, which can help ease the process of obtaining consent.
Chambers Review
BDB Pitmans has an infrastructure-focused outfit specialising in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. The team often handles large-scale projects in the energy and transport sectors and regularly advises on Development Consent Orders, as well as mainstream planning applications. The firm acts for a diverse range of clients, including TfL, London Luton Aiport and various local authorities.
Work Highlights
- BDB Pitmans assisted National Highways with planning for the Lower Thames Crossing. This involved advice on environmental impact, strategy and all other aspects of its application for a development consent order.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"BDB has a committed and highly experienced team that handles complex and sophisticated matters on major projects in a timely and effective manner. The team has great depth and resilient resources."
"BDB has a committed and highly experienced team that handles complex and sophisticated matters on major projects in a timely and effective manner. The team has great depth and resilient resources."
Notable Practitioners
Angus Walker is a well-established presence in the field of development consenting, particularly regarding nationally significant projects. He is accustomed to representing a broad range of clients, both opposing and supporting infrastructure developments.
"Angus is an astute lawyer. He is the top of the game on the infrastructure side. He's so impressive all-round."
Mark Challis maintains strong client relationships with a number of high-profile public bodies. He is equally well placed to advise on the orders and applications required for large, nationally significant infrastructure developments.
"He is a very wise and experienced leader of a very strong team."
Sarah Clark is frequently instructed by public sector clients to advise on major infrastructure developments. This includes overseeing promotions, Development Consent Orders and public inquiries. She is also able to draw on her proficiency in Scottish law.
"Sarah is delightful to work with and wonderful."
Tom Henderson specialises in obtaining authorisation for major infrastructure works. He has a wealth of knowledge in Development Consent Order matters. He often works on improvement and expansion plans for roadworks and airports.
"Tom is very smart and engaged. He is definitely a rising star. He's very commercially aware."
Ranked Lawyers at
BDB Pitmans LLP
London (Firms)