Planning
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Midlands (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
0845 210 5555Chambers Review
No5 Barristers' Chambers has an established reputation for excellence in planning law throughout the Midlands and further afield. Many of the barristers at the set are highly experienced in major infrastructure and development issues. Members of the set continue to handle major planning inquiries and well-publicised cases and frequently appear at all levels of the UK court system, including the Supreme Court. Noteworthy recent instructions include R (Whitley Parish Council) v North Yorkshire CC, a Court of Appeal case concerning the impact of a large engineering exercise on a local village. An interviewee comments: "The set is exceptional across a range of sectors and issues."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are quick to respond and quick to understand needs."
"The clerks are always able to suit clients' budgets."
"The clerks are excellent. They will always confirm within the hour whether counsel has the availability to take on the advice that you need and give a good estimate of costs."
"Practice director Andrew Bisbey is very good, personable and accommodating."
"The clerks are quick to respond and quick to understand needs."
"The clerks are always able to suit clients' budgets."
"The clerks are excellent. They will always confirm within the hour whether counsel has the availability to take on the advice that you need and give a good estimate of costs."
"Practice director Andrew Bisbey is very good, personable and accommodating."
Notable Practitioners
Christopher Young KC enjoys an excellent reputation for his practice, especially for his advocacy in residential development inquiries. He is particularly knowledgeable about Neighbourhood Development Plans, and is often instructed in planning inquiries on behalf of developers, national house builders and major retailers. He is also skilled at handling proceedings before the High Court and Court of Appeal.
"Christopher Young is very energetic, will push a case as far as it can go to win approval through the planning system and has had great success in winning planning appeals."
"Christopher Young is probably the best in the business, drives everyone hard, is responsive and is hands-on."
James Corbet Burcher of No5 Barristers' Chambers is an experienced handler of planning matters involving assets of community value and is known for his work in neighbourhood planning and residential development matters. He represents developers as well as local planning authorities in public inquiries and planning appeals.
"James Corbet Burcher is in to the technical detail and does the leg work behind the scenes."
Peter Goatley KC of No5 Barristers' Chambers offers planning expertise in both an advisory and litigation context. His practice focuses chiefly on the residential development industry, and he is instructed by house builders across the country. He also counsels local authorities on planning disputes. He is also involved with crematorium developments.
"Peter Goatley is considered in his approach and brings careful, balanced consideration of issues to discussions."
Richard Kimblin KC is an esteemed silk whose clients include developers, local authorities and central government departments. He regularly handles cases involving energy, infrastructure and residential schemes. He undertakes litigation in courts at all levels.
"Richard Kimblin is absolute class, very measured, very committed and understands the spheres of planning and environmental law inside and out."
"Richard Kimblin is one of the best silks at the moment."
Satnam Choongh is well regarded for his broad expertise spanning planning and environmental law. He has particular prowess in the retail, residential and waste sectors and is frequently instructed in appeals arising out of development projects.
"Satnam Choongh is a very strong practitioner and clearly has a good commercial skill around cases."
Thea Osmund-Smith is noted for her strong inquiry practice. She regularly advises major clients, including developers, energy providers, house builders and local authorities.
"Thea-Osmund Smith comes across well, is always calm and composed and gets her points across succinctly."
"Thea Osmund Smith is a fantastic barrister, really diligent in her approach and not aggressive in cross-examination but effective."
Christian Hawley enjoys a broad planning practice in which he often acts on behalf of developers, promoters and local authorities. His expertise includes residential developments, environmental impact assessments and inquiries.
"Christian Hawley is exceptionally talented."
"Christian is superb, his commerciality is excellent, and he is a superb advocate."
"Christian Hawley is very practical, very easy to engage with and he provides plenty of sensible solutions."
Jack Smyth focuses on planning enforcement matters, including cases regarding planning permissions. Smyth is extremely well versed in injunctions, committals and inquiries. He often handles work for local authorities.
"Jack is without doubt an exceptional counsel. He is approachable and will strive to help even at short notice. He gives consistently clear and excellent advice."