Agriculture & Rural Affairs
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7353 8415Chambers Review
Francis Taylor Building enjoys a strong reputation for rural planning and environmental law, with a "a large amount of expertise in what is otherwise a very specialised area of legislation". Members are particularly recognised for their strength in town and village green matters, as well as development and rights of way disputes. Barristers at the set are equipped to handle a variety of disputes arising in rural settings, including those concerning the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Highways Act 1980. Members of FTB regularly contribute to leading textbooks. Recent work has included representing Open Spaces Society as an intervenor in the Court of Appeal case of Darwall v Dartmoor National Park Authority concerning wild camping rights on the Dartmoor Commons.
Paul Coveney is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are very prompt and friendly, and have a good understanding of their barristers' work."
"The clerks are very prompt and friendly, and have a good understanding of their barristers' work."
Notable Practitioners
Ned Westaway is a highways and rights of way specialist who has experience of acting in commons and village green disputes. He frequently appears for local authorities, and also acts for high-profile riding and rambling interest groups. In addition, his caseload encompasses rural flooding matters.
"Ned is very competent and creates very compelling grounds."
Richard Honey KC is well regarded for acting in town or village green registrations. His broad practice also covers local government, environment and general public law matters. He is noted for his in-depth expertise in protected habitats and species preservation issues.
"Richard is clear, concise and well regarded. The courts trust him."
"He is thorough and gives clear direction on how to approach a case. He is commercial and detail-oriented."
Douglas Edwards KC is a highly respected local government and planning specialist with a wealth of experience in common land matters. He is well known for acting in prominent Supreme Court cases regarding town or village green designation. In addition, he is regularly instructed by local authorities in rural land right applications.
"Douglas is a true heavyweight of a barrister."
Emyr Jones has a strong practice in agriculture and rural affairs, based in dual specialisms in planning and chancery law. He has expertise in rural planning affairs including solar farms and village greens, as well as varied experience in estates work such as boundary disputes and succession and proprietary estoppel cases.
"Emyr is exceptional in his attention to detail, rapport with clients and his drafting."
Morag Ellis KC is an experienced practitioner with expertise in a wide array of planning matters. Her rural practice covers cases concerning rights of way, compulsory purchase and development planning. She also has specialist knowledge in mineral, waste and energy schemes.
"Morag cuts through the issues and gives commercially focused advice."
"Morag is the bedrock of knowledge and commercial sense combined."
Philip Petchey is a long-standing member of the Bar who is praised for his intellectual approach. His practice involves work on common land and footpath designation, as well as village green disputes.
"Philip provides detailed advice."
Ranked Barristers at
Francis Taylor Building
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)