Planning

Richard Ground KC is extensively experienced in planning inquiries, both major and local, and also an expert in village greens, local government and environmental law. His areas of excellence include infrastructure disputes, enforcement actions, heritage matters and cases involving Green Belt developments.

"Richard's ability to become familiar with and knowledgeable about a number of documents associated with planning applications at such speed was admirable and very reassuring."

"Richard has a very sound understanding of commercial matters and provides clear, accurate advice throughout."

"Richard is everything that you want in a silk. He has encyclopedic knowledge, is a master of the details, and is excellent on his feet."

Thomas Cosgrove KC acts for an array of clients ranging from interest groups to house builders and retailers and is a regular feature at residential and heritage development inquiries and at judicial review. He also handles sizeable infrastructure cases. He has notable expertise in Local Plans.

"Thomas is super articulate. He quickly provides clear advice and sets out options."

"Thomas is knowledgeable, professional and has a keen eye for detail."

"Thomas is an excellent advocate in court."

Rob Williams is skilled in a wide variety of planning disciplines, from CPO matters through Section 78 appeals to mineral rights. He is increasingly popular among government entities, serving as a member of the Attorney General's A Panel and is also instructed by private individuals and LPAs on local plan concerns.

"Robert is someone that can be trusted; he has the ear of the court and always adds something to a multi-counsel team."

"Robert is always very hard-working and looks for new angles."

"Robert is reliable, punctual and responsive to requests."

Asitha Ranatunga is an expert in all manner of planning cases. He often represents local authorities regarding their development plans and appears at examinations and challenges. He is also retained by individuals and organisations in their challenges to LPA decisions. He is frequently instructed at all stages of enforcement proceedings and has handled a number of appeals and cases concerning the implementation of regulatory controls.

"Asitha provides expert counsel and guidance to manage a difficult case."

Clare Parry has crossed swords with some of the Bar's top planning barristers in judicial reviews and inquiries. She is appointed to the Attorney General's B Panel and is regularly engaged to appear before the High Court in matters throughout England and Wales. Her planning and environmental caseload includes matters involving neighbourhood plans and cultural heritage issues.

"Clare is a very approachable and persuasive advocate. She certainly knows the housing law, which is pertinent."

"Clare is calm and collected; she is able to make the client feel at ease."

Edward Grant maintains a diverse client base of developers, local authorities and interested third parties whom he advises and acts for in inquiries. He is familiar with all aspects of planning law and in particular has experience in large housing cases and criminal proceedings arising from enforcement prosecutions. His caseload includes instructions relating to high-impact London development.

"Edward is a brilliant lawyer and he is quick to respond despite his very busy practice."

"Watching Edward's cross-examination on complex and intricate planning matters was like watching a masterclass."

"Ed is a very focused and targeted advocate who never loses sight of the client's requirements when leading the team."

Emmaline Lambert is respected as a strong junior in the field who has broad experience of inquiries, enforcement matters and High Court challenges. She represents a diverse range of clients, including developers and third parties, and is routinely instructed to represent local authorities in planning inquiries and appeals. She is experienced in planning cases involving numerous sensitive environmental issues.

"Emmaline is down to earth, conscientious and covers all bases."

"Emmaline provides a very good service; she is understanding yet can be firm with the clients."

Jack Parker possesses a substantial reputation due to his robust appearances in the High Court on a range of planning matters, including town and country concerns and local neighbourhood plans. He represents LPAs, individuals and businesses.

"Jack displays quality beyond his years of experience. He's a brilliant advocate with a calm and incisive manner."

"Jack is a very good planning barrister. He is reliable and easy to work with."

"Jack is a highly competent and helpful barrister who is good fun to work with."

Michael Bedford KC possesses extensive experience in planning and focuses on development plans and regeneration schemes as well as significant infrastructure projects. He is known for his representation of local authorities and regularly accepts instructions in large inquiries and judicial reviews.

"Michael is always a safe pair of hands and provides clear and concise advice."

Ben Du Feu regularly acts for local authorities and developers on a broad spectrum of planning matters. He is a member of the Attorney General's C Panel of Junior Counsel.

"Ben is excellent with clients and his technical knowledge is extremely strong."

"Ben impresses with his approach and detailed knowledge of the issues."

Paul Shadarevian KC is a highly experienced planning law barrister and is particularly sought after for his expertise in residential and commercial development planning. He regularly advises local authorities on their Local Plans.

"Paul's advice is very good at getting to the crux of the issue. He identifies feasible possible solutions and helps witnesses give the best evidence that they can."

"Paul always provides very detailed and comprehensive advice and is always willing to talk through matters of concern."

"Paul is excellent at articulating his advice. He is also regularly contactable and is very accessible."

Robin Green advises and appears for developer and local authority clients at inquiry and in the High Court. His clients include local authorities and private individuals, whom he represents in matters encompassing all aspects of planning law, with a particular focus on housing developments. He is particularly well versed in cases concerning controversial development proposals in countryside areas.

"Robin is easy on the ear, plans well and is effective."

"Robin is exceptionally good at dealing with complex matters involving competing issues in property, planning, and potential litigation."

"Robin is a well-prepared advocate. He is thorough, diligent, careful and courteous."

Wayne Beglan handles planning cases as part of his wide-ranging local government practice. He represents both local authorities and private clients. He is regularly engaged in judicial reviews, High Court actions and Court of Appeal cases. He handles issues including CPOs and local plans.

"Wayne has been a great help in planning injunction matters. He is bright, thorough and easy to work with."

"Wayne is always impeccably prepared and has a great rapport with both inspectors and judges."

"Wayne has a really good manner both in and out of inquiries. He knows what he is doing and is steady."

Emma Dring's remit includes wider public and administrative law, in addition to her established planning practice. She is particularly focused on cases where the planning, housing and licensing practice areas interface. She is appointed to the Attorney General's C Panel and has significant expertise in heritage matters.

"It is always a joy to work with Emma. She has a very thorough understanding of the issues and limitations of LPA witnesses."

"Emma provides an excellent advocacy service to Local Planning Authorities."

Estelle Dehon KC dedicates a significant portion of her practice to planning law, frequently representing interest groups, individuals and local authorities in sometimes controversial cases. She regularly appears in the High Court and at public inquiries concerning substantial development proposals. She has been involved in important challenges to energy schemes including fracking.

"Estelle inspires complete confidence with her advice and actions."

Harriet Townsend has a strong track record of handling CPO cases, development inquiries, enforcement appeals and other hearings. She has recently been tackling matters relating to significant residential schemes and sensitive cases involving heritage or preservation concerns. She acts for local authorities as well as campaign groups, individuals and developers.

"Harriet provided outstanding advice and service levels. She is always professional and is a pleasure to work with."

"Harriet is a master of communication. She continually demonstrates her ability to explain complex, difficult decisions and matters of planning balance to a wide audience."

"Harriet has been very thorough and refreshing."

James Findlay KC operates a substantial planning practice in Scotland, as well as in England and Wales. He is particularly adept at dealing with controversial or complex cases with a high profile. His work for local authorities often concerns housing or energy projects. Challenges to local plans form a key area of his work. He also represents developers and other interested parties.

"James is very client-friendly, commercial and good on his feet."

Jonathan Clay is an able and experienced advocate who acts for major players in residential and infrastructure development cases, including motorways, stadiums and wind farms. His areas of expertise also include enforcement, town and country planning, village greens and commercial development.

"Jonathan's advice has been excellent. He brings a measured and extremely professional showing."

"Jonathan is a sound all-round adviser."

Nina Pindham frequently represents landowners, developers and local authorities on an array of planning and environmental mandates, alongside public law matters. She is experienced acting for clients at inquiry in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

"Nina is incredibly responsive, receptive, analytical, thorough, and very creative."

Riccardo Calzavara has a very strong planning practice which sees him frequently instructed by the government. His expert knowledge covers a wide range of topics including planning matters related to renewable energy projects and large-scale housing developments such as compulsory purchase orders and Section 106 agreements, among many others. He is well-versed in appearing in inquiries as well as judicial reviews and magistrates' court.

"Riccardo has the ability to grasp novel and intricate issues, drive to the heart of the matter concisely and formulate and present attractive and persuasive arguments in a lively and engaging way."

Ruchi Parekh has an impressive planning practice with in-depth experience of infrastructure matters, especially those relating to energy projects. She has appeared in significant DCO hearings and high-stakes planning challenges.

"Ruchi is always calm and is never phased by complex matters that often need stripping back to the basics."

"Ruchi is a breath of fresh air. She always provides factual advice that is delivered in a concise manner."

"It was great fun working with Ruchi; she grasped the key issues very quickly and worked hard."

Ryan Kohli is recognised for his expertise in planning inquiries. He is regularly called on to advise clients on infrastructure planning and significant urban developments.

"Ryan was easy to work with and provided clear, sensible advice that the client rated very highly."

"Ryan has a really impressive style that catches the eye."

Josef Cannon is a well-regarded barrister with a strong inquiries practice. He is regularly instructed in cases regarding housing schemes and developments in the Green Belt.

"Joe has an easy and friendly manner which combines with his quick and incisive grasp of each case."

"Joe was superb. He's persuasive and is able to think quickly on his feet."

"Joe can cut right through to the issues, but is fair and reasonable with it. He can also play hardball when necessary."