Department profile
BCLP

Planning

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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BCLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning - London (Firms)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has one of the best-resourced planning teams in the country. The firm guides a broad portfolio of projects through all stages of the planning process, from preliminary advice to High Court challenges. The team is frequently engaged on high-profile and complex matters, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and large residential-led developments. It also continues to act for infrastructure developers on projects in and around London.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advised National Grid on multiple complex linear network reinforcement and connection projects such as Norwich to Tilbury, Bramford to Twinstead, Sea Link, and more.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The BCLP team is hugely professional and personable. Often work within the planning sector can be stressful and intense, however BCLP conduct themselves in a calm and diligent manner.

    Planning respondentUK

  • The BCLP team is excellent at summarising complex issues and providing clear advice on next steps.

    Planning respondentUK

  • The BCLP team is very quick to respond but also offers advice to help discussions and provides broader context to matters.

    Planning respondentUK

  • The BCLP team provides expert guidance and risk reviews in a comprehensive and timely manner.

    Planning respondentUK

  • BCLP provides clear, commercial advice focused on meeting client’s requirements.

    Planning respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Tim Smith
    Tim Smith

    Tim Smith

    Tim Smith is well versed in advising clients on High Court challenges, compulsory purchase negotiations and large mixed-use retail, residential and office projects throughout London. He is a fixture of the planning and environment legal community, and he benefits from experience as a judge at many levels of court.

    • Tim is an excellent communicator and his natural demeanour is one that fosters trust and inclusivity.

      Planning respondentUK
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  • Christian Drage
    Christian Drage

    Christian Drage

    Christian Drage is highly experienced in planning and infrastructure law, with particular skill in areas ranging from urban extensions and multi-use schemes to nationally significant infrastructure and office developments in London. His clients include energy providers, private equity funds and developers.

    • Christian is a pleasure to work with, and is clear, succinct and commercial in his advice.

      Planning respondentUK

    • Christian's knowledge and expertise in the planning industry is extremely valuable.

      Planning respondentUK

    • Christian's technical astuteness, intellect, articulation and approachability are very strong.

      Planning respondentUK

    • Christian is a joy to work with, incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and personable. His advice is always well received, comprehensive and written with an in-depth understanding of the field.

      Planning respondentUK
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  • James Good
    James Good

    James Good

    James Good is highly skilled in advising on major developments of national importance, including sewage and port projects. He counts a number of well-known property developers and infrastructure providers among his client base.

    • James has a strong grasp of both the law and legal strategy, and is a realistic and pragmatic solicitor.

      Planning respondentUK
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  • Giles Pink
    Giles Pink

    Giles Pink

    Giles Pink is seasoned in handling compulsory purchase matters and consent orders relating to infrastructure and mixed-use regeneration developments, along with highways planning. He facilitates negotiations between a range of stakeholders on projects that have national significance, often representing major global developers and investors.

    • Giles provides extremely reliable and robust planning advice and is highly responsive and committed to his clients' projects.

      Planning respondentUK

    • Giles is a very knowledgeable lawyer with an impressive team working alongside him.

      Planning respondentUK
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  • Emma Perring
    Emma Perring

    Emma Perring

    Senior associate Emma Perring appears in some of the firm's most significant mandates. She has a particular focus on strategic advice for major commercial and residential property developments.

    • Emma is an exceptionally talented member of the BCLP team and is able to understand client needs with ease.

      Planning respondentUK

    • Emma is thorough, organised and highly skilled at communicating and engaging with stakeholders.

      Planning respondentUK

    • Emma is a real pleasure to work with and is able to cut through complex legal matters with her ability to provide clear, proportionate and pragmatic advice.

      Planning respondentUK
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  • Sheridan Treger
    Sheridan Treger

    Sheridan Treger

    Sheridan Treger is a senior associate able to handle complex planning matters involving such issues as mixed-use developments, port developments and judicial reviews.

    • Sheridan is brilliant; his knowledge and understanding of technical planning matters is second to none. Overall great to work with and very astute.

      Planning respondentUK

    • Working with Sheridan is always an absolute pleasure; not only is he highly diligent and professionally at all times but he makes even the most intensive matters enjoyable.

      Planning respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at BCLP (6)

London (Firms)

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