Planning
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 1
Contact number
(020) 3400 1000Chambers Review
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has one of the best-resourced planning teams in the country. The firm guides a broad portfolio of projects through all stages of the planning process, from preliminary advice to High Court challenges. The team is frequently engaged on high-profile and complex matters, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and large residential-led developments. It also continues to act for infrastructure developers on projects in and around London.
Work Highlights
- Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner assisted Lendlease with a 60-acre public transformation project that aims to reconnect neighbourhoods around Euston. It provided strategic advice on consenting and the environmental impact of this major development.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"A leading firm in this space. It is first-class across the board and a value add every time."
"The firm is extremely experienced and professional in its support. Its lawyers' in-depth knowledge has been invaluable in dealing with complex matters."
"A leading firm in this space. It is first-class across the board and a value add every time."
"The firm is extremely experienced and professional in its support. Its lawyers' in-depth knowledge has been invaluable in dealing with complex matters."
Notable Practitioners
Tim Hellier has extensive experience in a range of planning disciplines, tackling everything from mixed-use regenerations and tower developments to compulsory purchase and counter-rights of light. He has further expertise in environment matters and judicial review proceedings.
He is the most experienced planning lawyer. He is "the godfather" of planning law and been at the top of the profession for the last 20 years.
"Tim is the best lawyer in real estate and planning. He is in a class of his own."
Tim Smith is well versed in advising clients on High Court challenges, compulsory purchase negotiations and large mixed-use retail, residential and office projects throughout London. He is a fixture of the planning and environment legal community, and he benefits from experience as a judge at many levels of court.
"He has incredible knowledge and is also thoughtful and caring about our business, our values and our approach to risk."
"Tim provides great advice."
Christian Drage is highly experienced in planning and infrastructure law, with particular skill in areas ranging from urban extensions and multi-use schemes to nationally significant infrastructure and office developments in London. His clients include energy providers, private equity funds and developers.
"Christian Drage is a consummate professional."
James Good is highly skilled in advising on major developments of national importance, including sewage and port projects. He counts a number of well-known property developers and infrastructure providers among his client base.
"James has proven himself to be a great leader of his own team and instructive towards stakeholders that he has a touch point with."
"A very strong leader."
Giles Pink is seasoned in handling compulsory purchase matters and consent orders relating to infrastructure and mixed-use regeneration developments, along with highways planning. He facilitates negotiations between a range of stakeholders on projects that have national significance, often representing major global developers and investors.
"Giles Pink is utterly brilliant."
Senior associate Emma Perring appears in some of the firm's most significant mandates. She has a particular focus on strategic advice for major commercial and residential property developments.
"Emma is a great communicator. She is experienced and savvy about the requirements of a dynamic consenting process."
"I have always been impressed with how well she serves clients and how detailed she is."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
London (Firms)