Planning
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 3
Contact number
0207 242 1212About
Provided by Dentons
Dentons' London Planning team are experienced in all aspects of planning and public law. The team is recognised for their skills in residential, town centre, mixed use development, community infrastructure levy, compulsory purchase, viability and funding structures.
Winner of the Planning & Placemaking "2019 Planning Law Firm of the Year" for their contribution to the revitalisation of UK garden cities. This is the second time that the Firm has been awarded the top prize having won in 2016 for involvement in regeneration of Greenwich and in 2017 we were "Highly Commended Planning Law Firm of the Year" for assisting the London Borough of Hounslow. The team balance their work between the public and private sectors. A particular strength the department offers is seeing development from all sides, with an ability to broker legal and commercial solutions that work for all parties. Dentons' planning team is the only team within the industry that combines procurement expertise as part of its offering. The London team includes 11 dedicated planning and public lawyers, with specialists in public procurement and state aid, and further support from environmental law specialists. The team has lawyers at a range of levels, including trainees and a planning co-ordinator, as well as Solicitor Advocates.
Chambers Review
Dentons assists public and private sector clients with a range of planning matters, including Community Infrastructure Levy and compulsory purchase order matters. The team is frequently instructed by private developers and local authorities to advise on large-scale housing projects. It is also experienced in handling high-value regeneration schemes and major retail developments.
Work Highlights
- Dentons assisted Marks & Spencer with all aspects of its application to redevelop its store in London's Marble Arch area. The project was subject to a high-profile public inquiry and the firm advised the company in its statutory challenge to the Secretary of State's initial refusal of permission.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Dentons is very experienced and innovative. The lawyers are always giving careful thought to strategy."
"Dentons provides strong project management and experience in bringing forward strategic development."
"The team provides quality advice within the deadlines agreed."
"Dentons is very experienced and innovative. The lawyers are always giving careful thought to strategy."
"Dentons provides strong project management and experience in bringing forward strategic development."
"The team provides quality advice within the deadlines agreed."
Notable Practitioners
Roy Pinnock is experienced in advising on strategic land promotion, urban regeneration and substantial development projects in opportunity areas. He is instructed by a range of clients, including lenders, developers and local authorities.
"He is simply one of the best around. He is strategically astute and gives sound commercial advice."
"Roy Pinnock is a market-leading planning lawyer and my go-to when I require legal advice on complex applications."
"Roy is exceptional in all matters, he is very commercially aware, always accessible and an excellent strategic thinker, always providing excellent advice."
Michele Vas regularly advises on new settlements, urban extensions and regenerations and compulsory purchase matters. She is experienced in issues relating to highways and in contentious settings such as public inquiries, judicial reviews and enforcement.
"Michele is an exceptional solicitor who provides her clients with an expert level of experience and knowledge."
"Michele provides excellent advice and service provision."
Ranked Lawyers at
Dentons
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Dentons
Grace Pinault
Katie Scuoler
Lucy McDonnell
Megan Forbes
Melanie Blanchard
Rachael Herbert
Rohini Vekaria
Clients
Provided by Dentons
Anschutz Sports Holdings Limited
Bedford Borough Council
Capreon
Chelmsford City Council
David Wilson Homes
Kier
Marks and Spencer
Peabody Development Limited
Places for People Developments Limited
Regal London
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
SSE/ Keadby
Sainsbury's
South Cambridgeshire District Council
Southend on Sea Borough Council
Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
Telereal Trillium
Tide Construction
Industries
Provided by Dentons
Banks/Financial Services
Commercial & Professional Services
Energy
Government
Private Clients / Individuals
Real Estate
Real Estate Finance
Retail
Travel & Leisure
Utilities