Department profile
Dentons

Planning

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)


Dentons

Rankings

About

Provided by Dentons

Dentons’ London Planning team is recognised for its clarity, pragmatism and ability to deliver practical solutions across the full spectrum of planning and public law. We act for both Government (local and central) and private sector clients, including developers, investors, infrastructure providers and local authorities - giving us a balanced perspective and a reputation for finding solutions that work for all parties.

Our work spans complex regeneration, large-scale housing and mixed-use development, compulsory purchase, infrastructure, and emerging areas such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and carbon lifecycle planning. We are regularly instructed on nationally significant infrastructure projects, including Special Development Orders for Government, and continue to advise on development consent orders, Transport and Works Act Orders, and compulsory acquisition matters across the UK.

Our lawyers are also closely involved in shaping national planning policy, advising the British Property Federation, the Planning Advisory Service and MHCLG, and leading thought in areas such as developer contributions and BNG implementation.

Recent Recognition

In 2025, Dentons was awarded “Real Estate Team of the Year” at the Legal Business Awards - a testament to our strength and influence in real estate, planning and development practice.

Clients (19)

  • Sainsbury's
  • Marks and Spencer
  • South Cambridgeshire District Council
  • Royal Borough of Greenwich
  • Anschutz Sports Holdings Limited
  • Bedford Borough Council
  • Peabody Development Limited
  • Places for People Developments Limited
  • Southend on Sea Borough Council
  • Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
  • Telereal Trillium
  • Tide Construction
  • David Wilson Homes
  • Capreon
  • Regal London
  • Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
  • Chelmsford City Council
  • SSE/ Keadby
  • Kier

Industries (10)

  • Real Estate
  • Government
  • Retail
  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Energy
  • Utilities
  • Banks/Financial Services
  • Private Clients / Individuals
  • Travel & Leisure

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning - London (Firms)

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

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

Provided by Chambers

  • Dentons advised Dacorum District Council on delivery mechanisms to facilitate the proposed Garden Communities in and around Hemel, reporting to the Council on the key issues for the proposals.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Dentons provides in-depth understanding of extremely complex planning matters and agreements.

    Planning respondentUK
  • Dentons is professional, thorough, dedicated and always act in the best interests of the client.

    Planning respondentUK
  • Dentons has a great team who are specialists in their area, providing clarity to the clients and collaborating well with the wider legal team.

    Planning respondentUK
  • The Dentons team have an exceptional depth of knowledge and experience.

    Planning respondentUK
  • The Dentons team are diligent, innovative and tenacious.

    Planning respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Roy Pinnock
    Band 2Roy Pinnock

    Roy Pinnock

    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.

    • Roy is incredibly client-friendly, always taking the time to understand the broader strategic and commercial context of a case, ensuring his advice is not only legally sound but also highly practical.

      Planning respondentUK
    • Roy is a creative, solution-focused and agile thinker. He is who you want in the room on your side when working to find a way through complex issues.

      Planning respondentUK
    • Roy is an exceptional lawyer who combines deep legal expertise with outstanding commercial acumen.

      Planning respondentUK
    • Roy is diligent, tenacious and very commercially aware.

      Planning respondentUK
    • Roy's strategic thinking and ability to cut through problems to solutions is exceptional.

      Planning respondentUK
  • Band 4Michele Vas
    Band 4Michele Vas

    Michele Vas

    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's advice is exceptional and she is able to fully explain complex legal issues in a way that's understandable to planners.

      Planning respondentUK
    • Michele is always an absolute joy to work with. She is always there to offer advice, support and guidance, and is utterly charming and professional.

      Planning respondentUK
    • Michele is a pleasure to work with, and brings a business and legal acumen she has developed over many years of experience.

      Planning respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Dentons (2)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Dentons

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