Planning
UK Guide 2025 : Midlands
Band 3
About
Provided by Shoosmiths LLP
The planning maze can often be confusing but Shoosmiths’ planning team has a wealth of experience in supporting private and public sector clients on all aspects of planning, highways and compulsory purchase law, balancing their strategic objectives with the various demands placed upon them by the planning system.
Our specialist team has worked with commercial and residential developers, investors, retail and leisure operators, social housing bodies, major corporate occupiers, banks and other funders and a range of public sector bodies on some of the UK's most complex and challenging urban regeneration schemes, along with mixed use, residential, retail and private rented sector (PRS) developments.
Whether it is general planning advice, the drafting of infrastructure agreements or strategic planning advice to facilitate delivery of complex mixed use schemes, our team has a significant knowledge and expertise to help our clients get the deal done. Our approach is always to look forward and anticipate potential planning policy and statutory changes, and to assist in the interpretation of existing policy, such as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Chambers Review
Shoosmiths has a comprehensive planning offering with a broad client base, with particular aptitude in negotiating Section 106 agreements and securing planning permission. The team often advises on a range of large strategic development matters across housing, retail and leisure, among other areas. It advises clients in both the public and private sectors, particularly on long-term development schemes.
Work Highlights
- Shoosmiths acted for Richborough Estates in the promotion of two sites in Keresley, Coventry for the development of 550 houses.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The planning lawyers at Shoosmiths are very sharp and they provide clients with a good service."
"Our team at Shoosmiths are highly reactive and responsive to other parties and when reporting back to us, with detailed explanatory text and meetings where required."
"We consistently receive clear, concise advice that is commercial and pragmatic. This is always provided in a timely manner, which means projects can continue to move forward with momentum."
"The planning lawyers at Shoosmiths are very sharp and they provide clients with a good service."
"Our team at Shoosmiths are highly reactive and responsive to other parties and when reporting back to us, with detailed explanatory text and meetings where required."
"We consistently receive clear, concise advice that is commercial and pragmatic. This is always provided in a timely manner, which means projects can continue to move forward with momentum."
Notable Practitioners
Will Thomas is lauded by clients for his advice on complex planning matters. His expertise includes DCO challenges, major redevelopment projects and mixed-use housebuilding. He frequently represents local authorities and private developers in high-value mandates.
"Will is brilliant for dealing with Section 106 agreements. We are delighted with the service."
"Will Thomas is a pleasure to deal with. He has a calm confidence about him, and his advice is clear and commercial. I have recommended him to clients and will continue to do so."
"Will has an incredible level of intelligence, experience and knowledge of an area that is actually quite difficult to deal with. It's really impressive."
Ranked Lawyers at
Shoosmiths LLP
Midlands
Members
Provided by Shoosmiths LLP
Clients
Provided by Shoosmiths LLP
Bellway Homes Limited
Boots UK Limited
Central England Co-op
Persimmon Homes
Richborough Estates