Planning

James Strachan KC is a tactically and technically minded KC who has won a strong reputation both at the Bar and among his clients for his work on major developments. His infrastructure résumé includes a substantial appointment promoting the HS2 rail project for the government. He is also well versed in the housing, retail, highways and urban design fields. Other notable work relates to the development of prominent heritage sites.

"James is formidable. He's extremely hard-working, reliable and one of the best."

"James is the outstanding planning barrister of his generation."

"James is a brilliant advocate. He is a very smooth and persuasive advocate."

Richard Harwood KC is a silk whose reputation and profile are fast on the rise. He acts for developers and landowners, as well as government authorities. He has also authored a number of standard texts on planning and environmental law. His practice takes in proposals ranging from energy and infrastructure to high-profile residential and commercial developments.

"Richard has literally written the textbook on planning law so he is the go-to for this kind of work."

"Richard's advocacy is very persuasive. He's an acknowledged leader so the judges listen to him."

James Burton is recognised for his expertise in compulsory purchase matters and continues to appear in high-profile cases in both the High Court and Court of Appeal. His expertise in environmental law proves useful in a number of the matters he handles.

"James is always a pleasure to work with. He is client-friendly, quickly grasps the relevant facts of the case and can handle complex legal issues with ease."

Victoria Hutton is a junior noted for her representation of developers, individual objectors and local authorities in varied planning law cases. She appears at inquiries and planning appeals in the High Court and has led cases as sole counsel in the Court of Appeal. Her experience includes advising on Green Belt development matters and planning policy challenges.

"Victoria has fantastic legal knowledge, is easy to get along with and she always delivers."

"Victoria is bright, thorough and an excellent advocate."

"Victoria is thoughtful and forceful when required."

Christiaan Zwart has ability and experience in niche areas, including development finance, DCO infrastructure cases and Community Infrastructure Levy matters, in the last of which he has particular expertise. His client base extends internationally and he is a regular advocate in High Court cases as well as the Lands and Tax Chambers. He fields additional expertise in regeneration, housing and matters pertaining to air quality.

"Christiaan is excellent and personable to work with."

Jonathan Darby acts in all aspects of planning processes for domestic and international clients, including landowners, developers, third parties and local authorities. He is also well versed in environmental law, and his practice takes in criminal proceedings related to planning and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. He works in cases involving CPO and regeneration issues.

"Jonathan has a phenomenal grasp of detail, a first-rate legal mind and a real unflappability about him."

Peter Village KC handles large-scale residential and retail development matters or other cases of substantial size and profile. He has acted successfully for objectors, developers and landowners in examinations, inquiries and appeals. His considerable experience includes numerous matters significant enough for him to be called in by the Secretary of State.

"Peter is just the best if your client is in need of robust advice and support."

"Peter is someone you want on your side. He is a robust advocate and will fight hard for his clients' position."

Thomas Hill KC concentrates his practice on major infrastructure work over a range of sectors. He has expertise in airports, ports and energy projects, including renewables. He is regularly called upon to promote urban regeneration schemes and strategic land developments. His practice takes in sensitive Green Belt proposals.

"Thomas brings a smooth elegance as an adviser and advocate."

"Thomas is a strong, brave advocate who will hold to his position and will invariably be found to be correct."

Celina Colquhoun has a practice with infrastructure cases at its core and has handled a number of matters concerning major projects in the transport sector in particular. She undertakes CPO, waste management and local impact matters, among others. She has been instructed in relation to energy projects of national significance.

"Celina is responsive and robust in her approach."

"Celina is extremely knowledgeable and approachable with excellent attention to detail."

Juan Lopez has a well-established planning practice. He regularly appears in enforcement proceedings, appeals and judicial reviews. He has experience acting in matters involving development matters, access and infrastructure issues and regeneration schemes. He is frequently sought after to act as sole counsel.

"Juan is a nice and approachable barrister. He is knowledgeable, has a quick turnaround time and he is quick to respond."

"Juan understands the clients and is clear in his advice. He is knowledgeable and personable."

"Juan is excellent at presenting a detailed case and focusing on an outcome."

Richard Wald KC has written extensively on his specialisms of planning, environmental, energy and administrative law. He acts for both public and private clients. He is noted for his contributions to legal periodicals on a range of subjects including environmental matters, nuclear energy and highways law. He acts in cases involving infrastructure and energy projects as well as those relating to residential development.

"Richard is a reassuring and calming presence. He refocuses things on what matters and is hot on procedure."

"Richard's advocacy, tenacity and ability to think on his feet make him a favourite to work with."

Andrew Tabachnik KC has expertise in residential promotion, regeneration and retail development, among other areas. He is a seasoned advocate in inquiry and High Court scenarios that may involve additional considerations, such as Green Belt impact, compensation or listed buildings. He also frequently appears for big-name developers, as well as local authorities and other interested parties.

"Andrew is approachable, knowledgeable and calm."

Daniel Stedman Jones is an impressive planning junior who has extensive experience in a full range of planning matters. He has knowledge of planning inquiries, judicial reviews and challenges especially those related to large-scale developments and infrastructure projects. He has appeared at all levels of court including the Supreme Court.

"Daniel provides clear and robust advice on extremely difficult planning law concepts in a manner the clients can understand."

"Daniel's written submissions and advocacy are fantastic."

John Pugh-Smith focuses his practice on town and country planning law and environmental law and is also an accomplished mediator. He most frequently represents local or central government authorities and interested parties such as objectors or claimants in a variety of planning cases. He has experience representing clients in various public inquiries and complex Section 106 matters.

"John is highly personable and gives high-quality, pragmatic advice."

"John is very experienced. He's seen it all before and is a very safe pair of hands."

"John is very considered and sensible. He is also a mediator, so he is very commercial and is a good dispute resolver."

John Steel KC acts in major infrastructure cases, especially those regarding airports. He is also well versed in all aspects of leisure, retail and residential development matters. He has undertaken work relating to local plans.

"John is a team player who is responsive. He provides trusted, targeted and commercial advice."

"John has proved himself to be an extremely competent and effective practitioner. His track record speaks for itself."

Katherine Barnes is recognised as a growing presence at the London Planning Bar and has demonstrated skill in representing local authorities and developers in a range of planning-related challenges.

"Katherine is always reliable and responsive; she really gets to grips with complex matters."

"Katherine is diligent, professional and extremely hard-working."

Ned Helme has extensive experience in planning and environmental matters. He is frequently instructed for his knowledge of local planning and he often acts for local authorities. He has expertise in planning challenges that involve housing and airport expansions, among others.

"Ned is exceptionally diligent and he thinks carefully around all angles of a problem."

"Ned is easy to work with and has excellent drafting skills."

Paul Stinchcombe KC handles matters ranging from compensation cases and inquiries to judicial reviews. He has extensive experience of both promoting and opposing large-scale development projects. He advises a range of clients, including developers, local authorities and local objectors. He has notable experience in major appellate cases relating to the application of planning legislation.

"Paul gives his advice in such a down to earth and client-friendly way."

Philippa Jackson is recognised for her diverse practice, which covers a broad range of planning and environmental matters. She has demonstrated particular prowess in handling high-profile judicial reviews and challenges to planning permissions.

"Philippa is very responsive in urgent matters."

Stephen Tromans KC is a specialist in energy, environment and planning law. He frequently acts in nuisance claim cases, judicial reviews, appeals and other instances where his specialisms converge. He is also well versed in international cases, particularly those under EU law. He acts for both local government and developers.

"Stephen is one of the best environmental planning silks. He is very approachable and client-friendly."