Planning & Environment
UK Guide 2025 : Northern Ireland
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(028) 9024 4951Chambers Review
Carson McDowell continues to act for clients facing complex planning and environmental law challenges, including judicial reviews and appeals, as well as planning inquiries. The team can handle the planning aspects of sizeable infrastructure projects, such as port and airport developments, and it regularly advises both public and private sector groups. Recent work includes handling the planning aspects of renewable energy projects.
Work Highlights
- Carson McDowell represented Islandmagee Energy in judicial review proceedings relating to the gas storage project in Islandmagee, County Antrim.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Carson McDowell is the only law firm that I'd contact with a complex planning issue. The team's knowledge, expertise and ability are unrivalled."
"Carson McDowell's planning team is comprised of excellent, experienced, well-resourced and diligent lawyers."
"The firm's client care is exceptional and the planning department is excellent. They've assembled a powerhouse of a team."
"Carson McDowell is the only law firm that I'd contact with a complex planning issue. The team's knowledge, expertise and ability are unrivalled."
"Carson McDowell's planning team is comprised of excellent, experienced, well-resourced and diligent lawyers."
"The firm's client care is exceptional and the planning department is excellent. They've assembled a powerhouse of a team."
Notable Practitioners
Gary McGhee is head of the firm's planning and environmental team and has a broad range of expertise in the area, covering issues such as watercourse pollution, habitat preservation, planning appeals, and matters pertaining to large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. He is reputed as being one of the leading judicial review and enforcement experts in Northern Ireland.
"Gary is the go-to person for all planning and environmental law issues in NI. This hasn't occurred through coincidence; he's hard-working, with an approachable good humour and unparalleled expertise."
"Gary is a market-leading planning lawyer. Experienced, sharp and capable, he leads a great team on some of Northern Ireland’s toughest projects."
"The standout planning lawyer in Northern Ireland - the leader of the pack."
Grant McBurney regularly provides due diligence in relation to planning applications, including assisting with Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Directive compliance. He is equally adept at providing representation in enforcement appeals, public inquiries and judicial reviews.
"Grant is unbeatable in Northern Ireland. He knows his clients, knows the law and has a strong strategic sense which he can deploy effectively."
Faye Phillips has a robust planning and environment practice that includes advising on judicial reviews as well as challenging decisions at the Planning Appeals Commission. She also assists with the environmental aspects of large-scale planning applications in the mining, renewable energy and waste disposal sectors.
"Faye is a diligent and efficient solicitor with an excellent eye for detail."
Orla Kelly acts for developers on judicial reviews of planning decisions. She has further experience advising on planning applications for leisure and residential projects.
Sarah Dunlop assists with a broad range of matters relating to planning applications for mixed-use development and energy infrastructure projects. She has experience advising on issues concerning contaminated land, waste management and protected species.
Ranked Lawyers at
Carson McDowell
Northern Ireland