Department profile

Planning

UK Guide 2026 : South West

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Burges Salmon LLP

We are nationally recognised for our expertise in planning and compulsory purchase and for the high-quality work we deliver across the UK.

We provide comprehensive planning law advice to both public and private sector clients, guiding them through the entire development process from consenting strategy to legal challenges and beyond to implementation of their planning consent.

Understanding that planning law can be complex and difficult to navigate, our team combines legal expertise with in-depth knowledge across various industry sectors and practical advice to secure the right outcomes for our clients.

We offer advice on issues integral to development proposals, including infrastructure agreements and compulsory purchase.

As market leaders, we specialise in consenting complex projects, ensuring that developments meet the necessary legal requirements to ensure effective and timely delivery. With substantial experience in both Scottish and Welsh planning law, our team offers tailored advice that addresses the unique aspects of these differing regimes.

Our planning lawyers collaborate closely with our real estate, environment and energy teams on regeneration projects, property development, and renewable and nuclear initiatives.

We actively participate in national events, lead workshops and webinars, and engage with key industry bodies, including NIPA, CPA and the Renewable Energy Association.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning - South West

What the Team is Known For

Burges Salmon has a first-rate team that works on complex planning matters for both public and private sector clients across a range of projects, including notable regeneration schemes. The firm provides an impressive level of expertise in energy matters including wind farms, nuclear projects and pipelines. It also offers strengths in the planning aspects of mining matters and the links between environmental law and planning. The firm's specialist work includes consent and acquisition matters relating to highway developments. The team continues to advise on high-level compulsory purchase issues.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Burges Salmon assisted BP Alternative Energies and Energy Baden Wurttemburg on consenting, real estate and grid-related matters for two 1,500 MW offshore wind projects in the Irish Sea.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Burges Salmon is excellent; I've consistently found the firm to be really good.
Planning respondentUK
Burges Salmon is among the best-resourced planning teams in the South West.
Planning respondentUK
We regularly have exposure to many team members from Burges Salmon, including more junior resources, who add great value to our projects.
Planning respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Patrick Robinson
Patrick Robinson is esteemed for his expertise in relation to energy and transport projects. He advises clients on public inquiries, compulsory purchase and development consent orders.
He is very experienced.
Planning respondentUK
View profile
Band 1
Band 1
Elizabeth Dunn
Elizabeth Dunn is highlighted for her deep expertise in nationally significant infrastructure projects, particularly in relation to the energy sector. She also advises clients on the planning elements of regeneration schemes.
Elizabeth has exceptional knowledge and expertise and is a pleasure to work with. She leads her team very effectively and offers sounds advice.
Planning respondentUK
Elizabeth is the best in the business.
Planning respondentUK
View profile
Band 1
Band 1
Gary Soloman
Gary Soloman is well respected in the planning sphere, with a particular specialism in the compulsory purchase process. He has a strong practice acting for local authorities and house builders in matters relating to regeneration schemes and infrastructure developments. He also supports clients in planning inquiries.
Gary ensures exceptional service, sophistication and commercial awareness.
Planning respondentUK
View profile
Band 1
Band 1
Julian Boswall
Julian Boswall is a highly acclaimed planning lawyer with extensive experience in nationally significant infrastructure projects, particularly in regard to the transport and energy sectors. He has notable experience providing counsel on compulsory purchase orders and consent orders.
View profile
Band 1
Band 1
Michael Barlow
Michael Barlow specialises in environmental litigation. He frequently represents public and private sector clients facing potential criminal prosecution, as well as in regulatory disputes with the Environment Agency. He has particular expertise in areas such as energy efficiency, contaminated land and environmental permitting.
View profile
Band 3
Band 3
Ross Fairley
Ross Fairley is particularly focused on advising clients in the energy and utilities sectors. He has notable expertise in issues relating to site decommissioning, including contaminated land claims, environmental liability and water rights.
View profile
Up and Coming
Up and Coming
Cathryn Tracey
Cathryn Tracey has significant experience across a range of planning matters, including large-scale developments and CPOs.
Cathryn is hugely knowledgeable and personable and always places our business interests at the heart of her advice.
Planning respondentUK
View profile
Associates to watch
Associates to watch
Sarah Sackville Hamilton
Sarah Sackville Hamilton is growing her environmental practice, assisting with significant mandates involving areas such as waste disposal, ESG and EU environmental regulations. She advises corporate clients across a broad range of sectors.
View profile