Planning
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 1
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
We understand the need for joined-up sector specialist advice across all of the disciplines that have to come together on any deal or project. We approach planning not as an isolated area of law but as part of the life cycle of real estate assets, applying our experience to help our clients foresee and resolve commercial issues on a project-wide basis.
We are at the very top of the market for planning work on business-critical projects: clients turn to us when the outcome really matters.
We have two principal focuses: high profile commercial development and regeneration projects and major energy and infrastructure projects. Our expertise includes planning applications and agreements, strategic planning advice, heritage and listing issues, environmental impact assessment, CIL, compulsory purchase and planning inquiries.
We work alongside our real estate disputes resolution team, who deal with compulsory purchase compensation, rights to light and other contentious property matters. We also work closely with our market-leading public law litigation team on judicial review and information disclosure. Our ability to leverage this cross-practice specialist advice gives our clients a distinct commercial advantage in the market.
We are proud to advise some of the most prestigious clients across the real estate, energy and infrastructure sectors on their planning law requirements.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills is an established commercial development outfit that is also capable of handling substantial energy and infrastructure projects. The team holds a strong record across a range of sectors and project types including tall buildings and mixed-use developments. The firm often acts for private sector developers and continues to be involved with various matters at public inquiry.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills assisted EDF Energy with the £72 billion development of two new nuclear power stations in the south of England. In addition to securing consent for the project, it provided advice in relation to environmental compliance and multiple judicial review challenges.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm exhibits a strong capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving, allowing it to tackle even the most intricate issues with confidence and proficiency."
"We find the team really strong. It has a breadth of knowledge, works across projects and brings experience and understanding to bear in everything."
"The firm exhibits a strong capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving, allowing it to tackle even the most intricate issues with confidence and proficiency."
"We find the team really strong. It has a breadth of knowledge, works across projects and brings experience and understanding to bear in everything."
Notable Practitioners
Matthew White is almost unrivalled in his experience and ability in advising private developers on large-scale energy, infrastructure and real estate developments. He is particularly skilled with regard to mixed-use master-planned projects and long-running developments.
"Matthew possesses a strong combination of legal expertise, strategic thinking and client advocacy. He is adept at navigating complex issues with confidence and precision."
"Matthew's ability to explain complex matters and how they will be received by various stakeholders is simply exceptional."
Catherine Howard has a substantial practice in London-based commercial developments, as well as energy and infrastructure projects throughout the UK. She is adept at handling development consent and compulsory purchase orders, planning strategy and agreements, and preparing for challenges.
"She always offers well-considered advice. She is a super team leader and also great to fun to work with."
"Catherine is so good. She is super pragmatic and she gets to grips with really complex matters very quickly. She is amazing."
Charlotte Dyer is experienced in providing guidance on high-profile commercial, residential and infrastructure developments, including those outside the UK. She often assists clients in obtaining development consent orders (DCO) and advising on environmental impact issues.
"She is an awesome operator who doesn't miss a thing. It's so reassuring to have Charlotte on the team, steering you away from possible mistakes."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills