Department profile
Brodies LLP

Planning & Environment

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

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Brodies LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning & Environment - Scotland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Brodies has a first-rate planning team that regularly acts for public and private sector clients and demonstrates strength across a broad array of environmental disciplines. It frequently handles infrastructure planning and compulsory purchase matters and is noted for its work in land, waste and energy matters. Its lawyers are also highly experienced in renewable energy and residential property matters such as onshore wind and affordable housing. The team provides additional expertise in the planning aspects of retail and leisure schemes.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Brodies advised S Harrison Developments in relation to obtaining planning permission for student and residential developments.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their wide range of legal expertise and ability to work across multiple departments for multifaceted legal issues is valuable to us.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • They are leaders in terms of thought leadership, as well as having up to date knowledge and a deep understanding of current policies. Their lawyers are go-to partners in understanding the market.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • The team are law specialists and have the skills to deal with a full range of queries. They understand the commerciality of my business and provide invaluable strategic advice.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Elaine Farquharson-Black
    Elaine Farquharson-Black

    Elaine Farquharson-Black

    Elaine Farquharson-Black is commended for her standout planning practice in the Aberdeen market. She is highly sought after by clients for her expertise in the housebuilding industry and compulsory purchase compensation claims.

    • Elaine is peerless in her knowledge of all matters relating to planning and environmental law. She is excellent with clients, a great team player and very competent. A leader in her field.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Elaine is the best at what she does.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Elaine is very helpful and provides useful guidance on how we should move forward.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Neil Collar
    Neil Collar

    Neil Collar

    Neil Collar is held in high regard for his extensive knowledge of the Scottish planning law system. He is well known for representing clients in public inquiries and planning appeals and for his expertise in environmental impact assessments.

    • Neil is a go-to for any question and working with him is an absolute pleasure.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Neil is outstanding.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Neil is fantastic.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Karen Hamilton
    Karen Hamilton

    Karen Hamilton

    Karen Hamilton is highly regarded for her extensive experience in this sector. She advises on project and planning issues, including consent and objections to applications, inquiry processes and compensation matters.

    • Karen is pragmatic and has extensive knowledge of the planning system on both the developer and authorities side. She is very good at considering complex cases and identifying the key points.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • She is an exceptional lawyer, extremely personable and works very hard. She is great at explaining everything and communicates very well.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Philip Hunter
    Philip Hunter

    Philip Hunter

    Philip Hunter heads the environment team at Brodies and assists clients with a wide variety of matters, particularly in relation to land contamination and waste management. He has a great deal of experience advising on the environmental regulatory aspects of major fossil fuels and renewable energy projects.

    • Philip has an excellent practice and is a go-to for environmental matters in Scotland.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Brodies LLP (4)

Scotland

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