Planning
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0131) 473 6000Chambers Review
Burness Paull has an impressive track record of advising house builders on development matters. Its clients often come from the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. The team has long-standing experience in a range of planning matters such as compulsory purchase orders and Section 75 obligations, and is also noted for its contentious capability, in particular judicial reviews and statutory appeals.
Work Highlights
- Burness Paull represented ID Stoneyburn in a planning appeal to the Scottish Ministers against West Lothian Council’s refusal of planning permission for a residential development of around 300 homes.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"It is a very capable and knowledgeable team that is responsive and proactive. Their ability to deliver to budget and overall value for money is strong."
"Burness Paull offer an excellent service across the sector and their depth of knowledge is unparalleled. They really have a marker in the market to know where the wind is blowing and what's at play."
"They have a strong ability to resolve issues, with several experienced lawyers within the team. They are proactive in terms of timely responses."
"They are positive, very commercially aware and have good contacts in the industry."
"They are extremely personable, with concise, well-considered advice that is delivered in an understandable manner to suit a range of audiences. I appreciate the quick response time."
"It is a very capable and knowledgeable team that is responsive and proactive. Their ability to deliver to budget and overall value for money is strong."
"Burness Paull offer an excellent service across the sector and their depth of knowledge is unparalleled. They really have a marker in the market to know where the wind is blowing and what's at play."
"They have a strong ability to resolve issues, with several experienced lawyers within the team. They are proactive in terms of timely responses."
"They are positive, very commercially aware and have good contacts in the industry."
"They are extremely personable, with concise, well-considered advice that is delivered in an understandable manner to suit a range of audiences. I appreciate the quick response time."
Notable Practitioners
Alasdair Sutherland, head of the planning practice, supports clients in relation to a range of planning issues, including compulsory purchase and compensation, judicial reviews and public inquiries. He advises clients in the energy, infrastructure and residential development sectors.
"Alasdair is very good at presenting arguments, appearing in court and advising."
"Alasdair is very pragmatic, has a deep understanding in his field of experience, honest when he requires guidance from others, and is able to explain and lay it out in a straightforward manner."
"Alasdair is very knowledgeable in his field, and brings an impressive level of expertise to onshore renewables matters."
"Alasdair is very knowledgeable and has a strong ability to provide solutions."
"Excellent service always provided by Alasdair in a no-nonsense, professional way."
Emma Dewaris particularly renowned for her handling of contentious planning matters, such as planning appeals and inquiries. Her clients include house builders, wind farm developers and funders.