Planning
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 5
About
Provided by Forsters
Our Planning team has a strong reputation within the real estate market both as technical experts, and for building strong and lasting relationships. Our advice and assistance to clients is at the cutting edge, and is tailored to the specific needs of each scheme.
Over the last five years, there have been dynamic changes to planning law: new legislation, policy and guidance introduced by the government have been controversial and transformational. Our planning lawyers are experts in navigating clients through the changing complexities of this specialist area of law.
Our clients are diverse. A typical day might involve advising the developers of the largest planning application in London ever (a development of over 15,000 residential units); helping a home owner in Kensington and Chelsea overcome local objections; and anything in between. This variety keeps us focused on each client's individual needs and aspirations.
Our clients include:
- property developers of all sizes (both in Central London, and across England and Wales)
- institutional investors
- those affected by compulsory purchase, whether the acquiring authority or displaced occupiers
- local authorities
- leisure, retail and restaurant occupiers and developers
- private individuals.
Chambers Review
Forsters' planning team is best known for its work on regeneration projects in London and the surrounding conurbation, as well as handling residential and commercial development. Its clients include major developers, institutional investors and local authorities.
Work Highlights
- Forsters advised Warner Bros. on the expansion of its film studios at Leavesden. The firm secured planning permission that will allow the client to increase the number of studio stages by 50%.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team provides clear and understandable advice. It has been very good at considering and exploring alternative solutions."
"Forsters approach complex matters with a knowledgeable and assured approach, providing commercial advice throughout. The team understands the needs of the client and how to get the best result."
"The firm is very prompt and provides a level of service that makes you feel prioritised."
"Forsters planning team is very strong; it not only provides excellent technical advice but is also extremely commercial and user-friendly."
"Forsters is extremely capable; quickly understanding the problem and executing a well-considered answer."
"The team provides clear and understandable advice. It has been very good at considering and exploring alternative solutions."
"Forsters approach complex matters with a knowledgeable and assured approach, providing commercial advice throughout. The team understands the needs of the client and how to get the best result."
"The firm is very prompt and provides a level of service that makes you feel prioritised."
"Forsters planning team is very strong; it not only provides excellent technical advice but is also extremely commercial and user-friendly."
"Forsters is extremely capable; quickly understanding the problem and executing a well-considered answer."
Notable Practitioners
Victoria Du Croz advises a client base of public sector organisations, developers and investors on urban redevelopment projects. Her practice takes in permission amendments, due diligence and infrastructure agreements.
"Vicky has an enviable knack of getting hold of an issue quickly and delivering an on-point response, in a concise and easy-to-understand manner."
"She is astute, well-informed and fully attuned to the needs of clients."
"Victoria is excellent and very approachable."
Ranked Lawyers at
Forsters
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Forsters
Clients
Provided by Forsters
Aitch Group
British Airways Pension Fund (via BlackRock as external asse
Consolidated Developments
HG Construction Group
Hondo Enterprises Ltd.
Knight Dragon
Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust joint venture
Notting Hill Genesis
Peel Logistics Partnerships Limited
Warner Bros.