Planning

Andrew Tait KC has promoted a raft of major infrastructure projects in London. He has also acted in relation to high-profile road and transport schemes nationwide. His practice further extends to waste matters, land valuation, new settlements and major mineral proposals.

"Andrew is one of the best intellects at the Bar. He's completely reliable and is well liked by his clients."

"Andrew's ability to cut through complex, technical areas of law and then devise an articulate strategy is frighteningly good."

"Andrew is a leading light on infrastructure projects. He is very hard-working and is a pleasure to work with."

Hereward Phillpot KC continues to win the admiration of peers and clients in silk. Hailed as one of the top barristers acting in infrastructure matters, he frequently appears at inquiries, hearings and higher court cases. Many of the complex development cases he takes on pertain to particularly large or high-profile projects.

"Harry has a wonderful ability to explain things clearly and forcefully."

"Harry is a very strong advocate. He is always willing to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in."

"Harry's legal knowledge and his ability to apply this to novel and complex issues in the DCO world are second to none."

Michael Humphries KC is widely known as a leading name in infrastructure planning law. He has an excellent reputation for working on projects of all types, especially the often vast NSIPs. He is also heralded for his compulsory purchase work and edits leading publications in both areas. He is a deeply experienced advocate across the entire space, advising and acting for utilities, objectors, landowners, developers and public entities.

"Michael is the number one barrister for infrastructure planning. He's a consummate professional."

"Michael is a leader in his field. He advises strategically and effectively in relation to major infrastructure developments."

"Michael is one of the go-to leaders in this field. He brings huge experience to every project."

Morag Ellis KC holds an enviable position in the market both as a barrister well versed in the broadest aspects of planning law and as a rare expert in some of its most unique and evolving areas. She sits on the panel of silks to the Welsh government and takes on statutory challenges and planning inquiries, as well as national infrastructure project work, in both England and Wales.

"Morag is an excellent advocate. She's approachable and easy to work with."

"Morag has a fantastic strategic brain coupled with a client-friendly approach and is an effective and strong leader."

Rebecca Clutten is a highly regarded junior barrister, known for her ever-expanding strengths in infrastructure and compulsory purchase matters. She has experience working for both promoters and claimants in CPO matters covering both infrastructure and regeneration schemes. Her client list and track record feature a number of high-profile names and projects.

"Rebecca has built a very strong reputation in the DCO arena, complimented by her wider practice in terms of CPO and compensation work."

"Rebecca is a first choice junior for infrastructure and compensation advice. She is calm under pressure and is an excellent team player."

"Rebecca views complex legal issues through the prism of project delivery and is integral to managing risk."

Douglas Edwards KC is a robust practitioner focused on planning, environmental, CPO, highways law, government and infrastructure work. He is an expert in commons and village green matters and is also frequently consulted on land assembly matters by local authorities. He represents both public and private clients at all levels in the courts and at inquiries.

"Douglas is extremely authoritative and delivers advice in a thoughtful measured way, which both exudes confidence and demands respect."

"Douglas is a real tactician and he has an engaging, easy style."

Hugh Flanagan is a barrister dedicated to planning and compulsory purchase cases. He is a member of the Attorney General's B Panel of Counsel and acts for local authorities and developers. Highways, aviation, enforcement and residential planning work are among his areas of strength. Large infrastructure-related work forms an additional mainstay of his practice.

"Hugh is a very reliable junior and he's someone who works well by himself or in support of a KC."

Isabella Tafur is a highly regarded junior, known for her impressive advocacy skills and her expertise in infrastructure projects. She practices across numerous areas including heritage and Green Belt matters. She represents both appellants and local authorities in planning and enforcement appeals and attracts praise from several top instructing solicitors.

"Isabella has been a pleasure to deal with, providing very prompt, clear and robust advice throughout."

"Isabella is approachable and solid and clients love her."

"Isabella is a formidable advocate. She is rigorous in cross-examination and is extremely thorough."

"Isabella has a strong sense of the best strategy to adopt from the outset and during conferences when she has been put on the spot by my client's commercial strategy."

Ned Westaway is an expert in environmental law with a sound, practical knowledge of planning matters. He acts for local authorities, planning applicants and objectors, handling a broad range of cases including those relating to major development proposals, complex enforcement and significant infrastructure projects. He tackles high-level appellate work involving novel points of law.

"Ned is very helpful and thinks outside the box."

Charles Streeten is experienced in handling matters relating to tall buildings and other high-profile developments in London and in representing infrastructure service providers in projects. His clients include developers and interest groups, central government and local authorities. He makes regular appearances in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

"Charles has always been very efficient and quick. He has excellent advocacy skills."

"Charles is a fantastic advocate. He's very easy to work with and is able to explain and break down complex concepts."

"Charles has a relaxed style which makes him very client-friendly."

Craig Howell Williams KC is a traditional development and infrastructure specialist highly experienced in planning, environment and related public law matters. His case history demonstrates his expertise in matters involving large projects such as urban extensions and transport. He also handles substantial commercial work in the leisure and retail sectors. Other areas of practice include residential development, including controversial schemes in sensitive areas, and local plan work.

"Craig is exceptionally responsive and good at putting the client at ease."

"Craig is a class act. He is solid in setting direction and provides sound advice at every turn."

"Craig is a master at crafting arguments and closings."

James Pereira KC is a sought-after silk practising in planning, environmental, public and administrative law. His excellent reputation as an advocate comes from his frequent appearances at inquiries and in the High Court. He also promotes and resists CPOs and related compensation matters.

"James is one of the most accessible King's Counsel and he has the ability to devise clear and successful strategies."

"James is astute, commercially focused and client-friendly."

"James is a heavyweight in planning and judicial review matters."

Richard Glover KC is well equipped to resolve disputes of all natures and an expert in compulsory purchase, ratings and local government work. He specialises in non-mainstream planning matters that may require valuation and compensation experience. He is instructed by both public bodies and commercial enterprises and also acts as a mediator.

"Richard is pragmatic whilst also being legally robust."

Richard Honey KC is a cooperative and collaborative new silk with superb judgement and experience of advocacy before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. He also regularly appears in the High Court and is an expert on compulsory purchase and infrastructure cases. He also features frequently in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). He represents defendants and claimants of all kinds.

"Richard doesn’t pull his punches and gives advice with real integrity."

"Richard gives thorough and clear directions on how to approach a case. He is also commercial and detail-oriented."

Simon Bird KC has an impressive track record of appearing on behalf of ports, airports, house builders and central and local government agencies. He works across cases relating to commercial and residential developments as well as local plans.

"Simon is very professional and has strong knowledge on the relevant issues."

"Simon provides an air of competence, clarity and confidence."

Alexander Booth KC enjoys a strong reputation as a young silk. He engages with all kinds of planning work, notably NSIP cases and valuation or compensation proceedings related to compulsory purchases. He appears for both public and private bodies and has appeared in the Supreme Court. He undertakes work relating to residential development as well as high-impact infrastructure projects.

"Alexander is calm under pressure and is pragmatic."

"Alex is very astute and responsive and he keeps an eye on the bigger picture."

"Alex is absolutely excellent; he is very responsive and collaborative."

Andrew Fraser-Urquhart KC covers a broad array of planning work and attracts a number of instructions in significant infrastructure cases. He is frequently instructed on development consent orders and compulsory purchase matters by both public and private sector clients. His practice also takes in cases involving energy, minerals, mining, and matters relating to local plans.

"Andrew has always provided us with clear and easy to understand advice."

"Andrew is really strong, pragmatic and client-friendly."

"Andrew was excellent to work with throughout the process. His support, guidance, and communication were superb."

Annabel Graham Paul has acted in a number of significant, complex or otherwise novel infrastructure, compulsory purchase and mainstream planning cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Her practice reaches into all corners of planning law and takes in inquiries and local plan examinations.

"Annabel was a fantastic advocate and dealt with cross-examinations extremely effectively."

"Annabel's bright, commercial and client-friendly."

Gregory Jones KC is a silk with notable expertise in planning and administrative law. His practice spans town and country planning, DCO-scale projects, environmental impact and other complex cases at all levels of review. He has carved out an additional niche in offshore marine spatial planning and is well versed in EU law.

"Greg combines high-quality client advice with a very approachable style."

"Greg is very approachable and helpful."

Kate Olley is regularly instructed by local authorities and developers on a wide range of issues related to planning. She has notable experience of judicial reviews and statutory appeals and frequently appears as an advocate in the higher courts.

"Kate is extremely good and is reliable in the court litigation process."

"Kate is able to show empathy while delivering robust legal advice."

Merrow Golden is a highly regarded barrister at the London Planning Bar. She wins acclaim for her advice to local authorities, action groups and developers on a range of matters, including planning enforcement and inquiries.

"Merrow is a real joy to work with. She always made herself available to talk through the issues and provide clear advice."

"Merrow has encyclopedic knowledge of the planning system."

"Merrow has a lot of enthusiasm and is very dedicated to her clients. She leaves no stone unturned."

Saira Kabir Sheikh KC is frequently sought after as an advocate for appeals, inquiries, High Court challenges and Crown Court and magistrates' court proceedings. She is experienced in all aspects of planning and environmental law. Her remit includes compulsory purchase, highways, Transport and Works Orders and other parliamentary matters. She frequently acts for local authorities.

"Saira is outstanding in both her legal knowledge and political and commercial acumen."

"Saira is a high-quality KC who is very responsive."

"Saira is a force to be reckoned with. She is good with clients, brilliant at marshalling evidence and witnesses and very impressive on her feet."

Caroline Daly has significant experience in local plan promotions and development inquiries, as well as acting in High Court disputes. Her clients include local authorities, developers and utility companies, community interest groups, private individuals and landowners.

"Caroline is excellent in her approach to tackling and explaining complex matters."

"Caroline is a true pleasure to work with. She has an incredible grasp of detail and can really get under the skin of an issue to identify exactly what needs to be done."

"Caroline is very knowledgeable and is a safe pair of hands."

Horatio Waller has a wide-ranging planning practice that has seen him appear at all levels of court including the Court of Appeal. He is extremely well versed in planning permission matters related to large-scale redevelopment schemes. He is also able to provide related knowledge of such areas as environmental regulations and rating law.

"Horatio is excellent in all areas."

"Horatio has excellent knowledge, foresight, management and organisational skills."

"Horatio is always willing to assist the client and progress the case."

Meyric Lewis KC specialises in planning and related environmental issues, being an expert in environmental impact assessment and CPOs, among many other matters. He is well recognised for his advice and advocacy in cases regarding major infrastructure proposals.

"Meyric is very approachable and has a considered approach."

Suzanne Ornsby KC is frequently involved in complex cases involving strategic environmental assessment and neighbourhood planning. Her practice covers public inquiries relating to electricity and water supply, minerals and waste, as well as commercial and residential development. She also acts for Local Planning Authorities and developers in urban extension inquiries and Local Plan examinations into housing provision.

"Suzanne is always quick to respond and displays a reassuring grasp of the issues. She is an accomplished and unflappable advocate."

Daisy Noble is a strong up-and-coming barrister in the planning space. She is very experienced in infrastructure and large redevelopment planning matters such as compulsory purchase orders and compensation issues. She is regularly sought after by local authorities, developers and claimants among many others to act in complex cases.

"Daisy is a very impressive barrister with a grasp of her practice area and confidence that is beyond her years."

"Daisy is an excellent junior. She has developed a strong track record in relation to infrastructure projects under both the Town and Country Planning and Nationally Significant regimes."

"Daisy Noble is an excellent junior on complex CPO cases, with an exceptional work ethic."

Mark Westmoreland Smith KC concentrates his practice on cases concerning the delivery of essential energy, waste and transport infrastructure. He is an experienced inquiry and High Court advocate who is frequently instructed in housing matters and development consent orders. His work in the infrastructure sphere in particular takes in disputes over some of the most notable and newsworthy civil engineering projects in the country.

"Mark provided a very calming demeanour and brought a highly effective approach."

"You know you are in safe hands with Mark; he is extremely capable."