International planning regimes are complex, political and often do not align naturally with the needs of business. Regulation and procedures limit business opportunities in real estate development and infrastructure planning, and by control through environmental compliance. We advise on nationally important infrastructure projects, such as energy generation and strategic transport, regeneration and iconic development projects, mixed use and residential development, commercial and logistics projects and major retail developments, and also provide guidance on environmental compliance and procedure.

Our diverse range of planning services are designed to help you navigate this complex and constantly evolving world. We have an experienced and highly regarded team combining technical excellence with commerciality. The fact that we understand the market and take the time to understand your business means we are able to identify key risks up front and provide early advice and guidance at the planning stage of your developments. Our work ranges from initial advice, site appraisals and project management, through to negotiating complex development and infrastructure agreements, and undertaking planning inquiry and High Court work.

We advise clients across a number of sectors who are leaders in their fields, including RWE Npower, Scottish and Southern Energy, Western Power Distribution, Associated British Ports, Bristol Airport, Suez, Unite Students, Marks and Spencer, Welbeck Strategic Land, IDI Gazeley, Ptarmigan Strategic Land, Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, Linden Homes, Taylor Wimpey Homes and Bloor Homes.

Experience

Western Power Distribution

Led the Development Consent Order application for the Brechfa Forest Wind Farm Connection Order 2016, made by the Secretary of State, to enable RWE Innogy's wind farm to be connected to the national grid, granting development consent and compulsory purchase powers to build a 32 kilometre overhead electricity line.

Welbeck Strategic Land

Successfully defended a local council's High Court challenge in respect of a decision of the Secretary of State to grant planning permission.

Bloor Homes

Successfully challenged Sedgemoor's Development Committee decision to defer planning permission for 90 homes in Cheddar to enable a Parish-wide housing survey.

Linden Homes, Bloor Homes and Bovis Homes

Advised the consortium on all planning aspects of this strategic development in Eastleigh, Hampshire for 1400 homes, a development that was subject to a judicial review challenge which was subsequently dismissed.

Ptarmigan Land

Handled the environmental statement, planning agreements and advice on CIL issues in successfully obtaining planning permission for the redevelopment of the Albert Wharf site, which forms part of Fulham Riverside next to Fulham Wharf, involving 237 dwellings, a site-wide energy centre, a Safeguarded Wharf including a concrete batching plant, a new Thames Path and a new jetty.

The Crown Estate and St Congar Properties

Acted for the landowners, which included the Crown Estate and St Congar Properties, in gaining planning consent for a 200 unit scheme (which is the first phase of a potential 2,000 unit urban extension) in Northamptonshire, including advising on the s.106 agreement, the potential for judicial review, and the CIL implications.

Swindon Borough Council

Advising on all aspects of the complex compulsory purchase order issued in connection with the Kimmerfields project in Swindon, part of a £350m flagship town centre redevelopment scheme that will give Swindon a new commercial heart, including a defending a judicial review challenge.

QinetiQ

Provided planning advice regarding a complex redevelopment of land at Fort Halstead involving a number of different interests, including leasehold and freehold, that are held by QinetiQ and the other existing owners and occupiers of the site.

Heron Land Developments Limited

Advised on the environmental assessment, planning agreements and policy implications in relation to obtaining planning consent for a large mixed use development across 250 acres of land in South Gloucestershire, comprising up to 2450 homes, with extra care housing, 20 acres of employment land and the provision of a local centre and two primary schools.

IDI Gazeley

Advised on the proposed expansion of up to 500 acres at IDI Gazeley's flagship logistics park at Magna Park, Lutterworth, involving coordination of two Environmental Statements, as well as advising on the planning application and planning agreements, and also advising on the Local Plan.

Taylor Wimpey

Advised on planning aspects of a major new green belt development of 4500 new homes on the edge of Bristol, including the compulsory purchase by the Council of land for the South Bristol Link Road and Bristol Rapid Transport development.

Bristol Airport

Advised on the redevelopment and expansion of the airport.

Insights