Department profile
Francis Taylor Building

Planning

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


Francis Taylor Building

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning - London (Bar)

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Francis Taylor Building is renowned for its dedication to planning work. Sources remark that the set is an "excellent planning set who provide clear and concise advice". The set has the capacity to take on the full range of planning matters, from compulsory purchase and compensation issues to environment, highways, and town and village green law. The set cultivates a similarly diverse client base, taking instructions from both local and central government, amenities, promoters, developers and interested parties. Members have recently acted in a significant number of cases relating to high-value residential developments, as well as high-profile infrastructure and policy-related matters. Members of the set appeared recently in Jones v Wrexham County Borough Council & Ors. An interviewee remarks that the set provides "comprehensive advice, good knowledge and clear and open communication". Other respondents agree that the team is "excellent - responsive and diligent".

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The FTB clerks are friendly, helpful and very efficient.

    Planning respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks at FTB are always responsive and happy to help.

    Planning respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks at FTB are absolutely superb, particularly deputy senior clerk James Kemp.

    Planning respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks proactively manage relationships and respond quickly and efficiently to enquiries.

    Planning respondentUK Bar
  • The planning and environment clerks, led by senior clerk Paul Coveney, are a pleasure to work with. They are responsive and attentive to demands.

    Planning respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Andrew Tait
    Band 1Andrew Tait

    Andrew Tait

    Andrew Tait KC has promoted a raft of major infrastructure projects in London. He has also acted in relation to high-profile road and transport schemes nationwide. His practice extends to waste matters, land valuation, new settlements and major mineral proposals.

    • Andrew is a strong and able advocate, and a go-to leader in the planning space.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Andrew is a consummate professional who is detailed, focused and carefully plans cases from the outset.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Hereward Phillpot
    Band 1Hereward Phillpot

    Hereward Phillpot

    Hereward Phillpot KC is hailed as one of the top barristers acting in infrastructure matters. He frequently appears at inquiries, hearings and higher court cases. Many of the complex development cases he takes on pertain to particularly large or high-profile projects.

    • Hereward is a strong advocate who is able to present complex arguments in a concise and simple way.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Hereward Phillpot is simply excellent. He is highly regarded and provides clear and accessible advice.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Hereward is excellent on Development Consent Order work.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Hereward has strong commercial awareness and is very good at problem solving. He is able to lead clients through complex and high-risk matters, and his calm advocacy is very effective.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Michael Humphries
    Band 1Michael Humphries

    Michael Humphries

    Michael Humphries KC is widely known as a leading name in infrastructure planning law. He has an excellent reputation for working on projects of all types, especially the often vast NSIPs. He is also heralded for his compulsory purchase work and edits leading publications in both areas. He is a deeply experienced advocate across the entire space, advising and acting for utilities, objectors, landowners, developers and public entities.

    • Michael Humphries is exemplary in every respect and has very strong experience and ability.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • He is very strong on Development Consent Orders and is a go-to lawyer for tricky issues and major projects.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Michael is very strong on complex infrastructure projects and is an absolute pleasure to work with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Morag Ellis
    Band 1Morag Ellis

    Morag Ellis

    Morag Ellis KC holds an enviable position in the market both as a barrister well versed in the broadest aspects of planning law and as a rare expert in some of its most unique and evolving areas. She takes on statutory challenges and planning inquiries, as well as national infrastructure project work, in both England and Wales.

    • Morag is a very able and approachable planning law expert.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Morag is a sound adviser, a very good pair of hands and a lovely person to work with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Rebecca Clutten
    Band 1Rebecca Clutten

    Rebecca Clutten

    Rebecca Clutten is a highly regarded junior barrister known for her ever-expanding strengths in infrastructure and compulsory purchase matters. She has experience working for both promoters and claimants on CPO matters covering both infrastructure and regeneration schemes. Her client list and track record feature a number of high-profile names and projects.

    • She operates at an extremely high level. She is outstanding on compulsory purchase and compensation matters, and her advocacy is absolutely clinical.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Rebecca's advocacy skills are especially impressive, even eclipsing those of people with much greater seniority than her.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Rebecca is refreshingly personable and delivers incredibly clear and well-considered advice, leaving no stone unturned.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Douglas Edwards
    Band 2Douglas Edwards

    Douglas Edwards

    Douglas Edwards KC is a robust practitioner focused on planning, environmental, CPO, highways law, government and infrastructure work. He is an expert in commons and village green matters, and is also frequently consulted on land assembly matters by local authorities. He represents both public and private clients at all levels in the courts and at inquiries.

    • He is a highly reliable barrister whose intelligence and advocacy skills are superb.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Douglas is a friendly, responsive and attentive barrister.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Douglas is a pleasure to work with. He is a strong advocate in court and is able to explain issues succinctly and in a way that is easy to understand.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Douglas is a cool, calm planning law barrister who provides clear and pragmatic advice.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Douglas Edwards has an innate ability to grapple with complex and challenging matters, providing detailed advice to clients and solutions to their problems.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Hugh Flanagan
    Band 2Hugh Flanagan

    Hugh Flanagan

    Hugh Flanagan is a barrister dedicated to planning and compulsory purchase cases. He is a member of the Attorney General's B Panel of Counsel and acts for local authorities and developers. Highways, aviation, enforcement and residential planning work are among his areas of strength. Large infrastructure-related work forms an additional mainstay of his practice.

    • Hugh Flanagan is a fantastic barrister and a real safe pair of hands.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Hugh is a strong leader on complex planning inquiries who is extremely thorough in his approach.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Hugh is an excellent, well-prepared advocate who is thorough, charming and personable.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2James Pereira
    Band 2James Pereira

    James Pereira

    James Pereira KC is a sought-after silk practising in planning, environmental, public and administrative law. His excellent reputation as an advocate comes from his frequent appearances at inquiries and in the High Court. He also promotes and resists CPOs and related compensation matters.

    • He is highly effective, very client-friendly and offers excellent legal knowledge.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • James offers a lovely mix of intelligence, charm and calming control.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • James is not only technically brilliant but an absolute delight to work with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Ned Westaway
    Band 2Ned Westaway

    Ned Westaway

    Ned Westaway is an expert in environmental law with a sound, practical knowledge of planning matters. He acts for local authorities, planning applicants and objectors, handling a broad range of cases including those relating to major development proposals, complex enforcement and significant infrastructure projects. He tackles high-level appellate work involving novel points of law.

    • Ned is a highly intelligent junior with an eye for detail and a natural ability to detect the weaknesses in opposing arguments.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Alexander Booth
    Band 3Alexander Booth

    Alexander Booth

    Alexander Booth KC engages with all kinds of planning work, notably NSIP cases and valuation or compensation proceedings related to compulsory purchases. He appears for both public and private bodies and has appeared in the Supreme Court. He undertakes work relating to residential development as well as high-impact infrastructure projects.

    • Alexander is an excellent all-round advocate who is always willing to go the extra mile for clients.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Alex is extremely bright, highly accessible and very user-friendly.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Alexander demonstrates a strong eye for detail and a systematic approach to presenting and dismantling a case.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Alexander is a very good tactician and a strong advocate.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Alex is a measured, sensible and pragmatic planning law barrister.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Charles Streeten
    Band 3Charles Streeten

    Charles Streeten

    Charles Streeten is experienced in handling matters relating to tall buildings and other high-profile developments in London and in representing infrastructure service providers in projects. His clients include developers and interest groups, central government and local authorities. He makes regular appearances in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

    • Charles Streeten is able to handle very complex matters with ease.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Charles has strong research and writing skills, and is able to advise on niche matters regarding planning applications.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Charles is an excellent advocate and adviser on contentious matters. He thinks outside the box in terms of legal strategy and is very thorough.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Craig Howell Williams
    Band 3Craig Howell Williams

    Craig Howell Williams

    Craig Howell Williams KC is a traditional development and infrastructure specialist highly experienced in planning, environment and related public law matters. His case history demonstrates his expertise in matters involving large projects such as urban extensions and transport. He also handles substantial commercial work in the leisure and retail sectors. Other areas of practice include residential development, including controversial schemes in sensitive areas, and local plan work.

    • Craig Howell Williams is an intelligent and friendly planning law barrister.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Craig is a pleasure to work with and is loved by clients.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Richard Glover
    Band 3Richard Glover

    Richard Glover

    Richard Glover KC is well equipped to resolve disputes of all natures and an expert in compulsory purchase, ratings and local government work. He specialises in non-mainstream planning matters that may require valuation and compensation experience. He is instructed by both public bodies and commercial enterprises, and also acts as a mediator.

    • Richard Glover is a measured, thoughtful and sensible planning law barrister.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Richard is a very thorough barrister who is good at leading clients through tricky matters.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Richard Honey
    Band 3Richard Honey

    Richard Honey

    Richard Honey KC is a cooperative and collaborative silk with superb judgement and experience of advocacy before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. He also regularly appears in the High Court and is an expert on compulsory purchase and infrastructure cases. He also features frequently in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). He represents defendants and claimants of all kinds.

    • Richard Honey is a very strong barrister with a great intellect.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Richard is technically brilliant and proactively seeks the best outcome possible for his clients.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • He provides clear, commercially oriented advice and meticulously plans his arguments.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Richard is extraordinarily strong intellectually, extremely hard-working and all over the detail of his cases.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Simon Bird KC
    Band 3Simon Bird KC

    Simon Bird KC

    Simon Bird KC has an impressive track record of appearing on behalf of ports, airports, house builders and central and local government agencies. He works across cases relating to commercial and residential developments as well as local plans.

    • Simon's ability to stay calm, collected and focused when faced with unforeseen events always puts clients at ease.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Andrew Fraser-Urquhart
    Band 4Andrew Fraser-Urquhart

    Andrew Fraser-Urquhart

    Andrew Fraser-Urquhart KC covers a broad array of planning work and attracts a number of instructions in significant infrastructure cases. He is frequently instructed on development consent orders and compulsory purchase matters by both public and private sector clients. His practice also takes in cases involving energy, minerals and mining, and matters relating to local plans.

    • Andrew is always a pleasure to work with. He fully engages with the case and ensures he is well versed in every aspect of it to make sure he can cross-examine effectively.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • He is a strong advocate with an excellent manner. Andrew is a good tactician and trusted adviser.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Andrew is always extremely helpful and gives clients clear and easy-to-understand advice.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Annabel Graham Paul
    Band 4Annabel Graham Paul

    Annabel Graham Paul

    Annabel Graham Paul has acted in a number of significant, complex or otherwise novel infrastructure, compulsory purchase and mainstream planning cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Her practice reaches into all corners of planning law and takes in inquiries and local plan examinations.

    • Annabel is approachable, responsive, and brilliant in planning inquiries.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Annabel is a real pleasure to work with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Annabel provides comprehensive and helpful legal advice on a wide range of planning matters.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Caroline Daly
    Band 4Caroline Daly

    Caroline Daly

    Caroline Daly has significant experience in local plan promotions and development inquiries, as well as acting in High Court disputes. Her clients include local authorities, developers and utility companies, community interest groups, private individuals and landowners.

    • Caroline is extremely supportive and able to deal with very challenging matters for clients.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Caroline provides polished and assertive advocacy throughout planning inquiries.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Caroline is superb in complex planning inquiries.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Gregory Jones
    Band 4Gregory Jones

    Gregory Jones

    Gregory Jones KC is a silk with notable expertise in planning and administrative law. His practice spans town and country planning, DCO-scale projects, environmental impact and other complex cases at all levels of review. He has carved out an additional niche in offshore marine spatial planning and is well versed in EU law.

    • Gregory is an excellent barrister with impressive intelligence and experience.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Gregory Jones is a strong advocate who is very approachable and user-friendly.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Kate Olley
    Band 4Kate Olley

    Kate Olley

    Kate Olley is regularly instructed by local authorities and developers on a wide range of issues related to planning. She has notable experience of judicial reviews and statutory appeals, and frequently appears as an advocate in the higher courts.

    • Kate displays excellent communication and insight in her work.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Merrow Golden
    Band 4Merrow Golden

    Merrow Golden

    Merrow Golden is a highly regarded barrister at the London planning Bar. She wins acclaim for her advice to local authorities, action groups and developers on a range of matters, including planning enforcement and inquiries.

    • Merrow is a great barrister who is incredibly clever and really pushes the boundaries of what's possible.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Saira Kabir Sheikh
    Band 4Saira Kabir Sheikh

    Saira Kabir Sheikh

    Saira Kabir Sheikh KC is frequently sought after as an advocate for appeals, inquiries, High Court challenges, and Crown Court and magistrates' court proceedings. She is experienced in all aspects of planning and environmental law. Her remit includes compulsory purchase, highways, Transport and Works Orders and other parliamentary matters. She frequently acts for local authorities, private sector clients and third parties.

    • Saira is an excellent advocate who is able to guide clients through complex and politically sensitive matters.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Saira takes on complex cases and brings her own tenacity to each case to secure success.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Saira is wonderfully user-friendly and accessible. She has a real breadth of knowledge and can write very persuasively.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Daisy Noble
    Band 5Daisy Noble

    Daisy Noble

    Daisy Noble is a strong barrister in the planning space. She is very experienced in infrastructure and large redevelopment planning matters such as compulsory purchase orders and compensation issues. She is regularly sought after by local authorities, developers and claimants, among others, to act in complex cases.

    • Daisy is a hard-working and highly capable junior barrister.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • She is a very strong junior who is very good on CPO compensation work. Daisy is also very client-friendly and has a strong attention to detail.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Daisy is great with clients and can grapple with complex matters easily.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • She is solution-driven and always has an eye on the commerciality of a transaction.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Daisy Noble is an exceptionally talented and strong junior barrister who is excellent on complex CPO work.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Horatio Waller
    Band 5Horatio Waller

    Horatio Waller

    Horatio Waller has a wide-ranging planning practice that has seen him appear at all levels of court including the Court of Appeal. He is extremely well versed in planning permission matters related to large-scale redevelopment schemes. He is also able to provide related knowledge of such areas as environmental regulations and rating law.

    • Horatio provides a high level of advice, knowledge and support for his clients.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Horatio is a strong and decisive communicator who is excellent in cross-examination and produces superb written work.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Mark O'Brien O'Reilly
    Band 5Mark O'Brien O'Reilly

    Mark O'Brien O'Reilly

    Mark O'Brien O'Reilly is recognised as a growing presence at the London planning Bar and has demonstrated skill in planning inquiries concerning renewable energy projects as well as commercial and residential developments.

    • He is a strong barrister who offers a quick turnaround on complex matters in the field of compulsory purchase.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Mark is an exceptional barrister who is a go-to for planning injunctions and an absolute joy to work with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Mark O'Brien O'Reilly has impressive advocacy skills and is incredibly knowledgeable on planning injunctions.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Mark Westmoreland Smith
    Band 5Mark Westmoreland Smith

    Mark Westmoreland Smith

    Mark Westmoreland Smith KC concentrates his practice on cases concerning the delivery of essential energy, waste and transport infrastructure. He is an experienced inquiry and High Court advocate who is frequently instructed in housing matters and Development Consent Orders. His work in the infrastructure sphere in particular takes in disputes over some of the most notable and newsworthy civil engineering projects in the country.

    • He is a technically excellent and very commercially aware barrister who is always easy to work with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Mark is a first-class advocate who is thoughtful and trusted by clients.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Mark Westmoreland Smith is a very good advocate and offers clear and concise advice.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Meyric Lewis
    Band 5Meyric Lewis

    Meyric Lewis

    Meyric Lewis KC specialises in planning and related environmental issues, being an expert in environmental impact assessment and CPOs, among many other matters. He is well recognised for his advice and advocacy in cases regarding major infrastructure proposals.

    • Meyric has strong litigation experience which is very helpful in court.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Meyric is an absolute pleasure to work with. He demonstrates exceptional skill and expertise in planning matters.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Suzanne Ornsby
    Band 5Suzanne Ornsby

    Suzanne Ornsby

    Suzanne Ornsby KC is frequently involved in complex cases involving strategic environmental assessment and neighbourhood planning. Her practice covers public inquiries relating to electricity and water supply, minerals and waste, as well as commercial and residential development. She also acts for Local Planning Authorities and developers in urban extension inquiries and Local Plan examinations into housing provision.

  • Up and ComingAlex Williams
    Up and ComingAlex Williams

    Alex Williams

    Alex Williams is a strong up-and-coming junior barrister in the planning space. Williams is appointed to the Attorney General's A Panel, and is extremely experienced in a wide range of matters including statutory challenges and judicial review challenges. He has appeared in cases in various levels of court including Court of Appeal.

    • Alex is technically really strong on all things planning. He is proactive, and the service levels are very strong. But what sets him apart in my eyes is his advocacy skills.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Hard-working, thorough and very good at problem solving.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • His drafting skills are excellent.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Alex has excellent knowledge and is a go-to barrister.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingConor Fegan
    Up and ComingConor Fegan

    Conor Fegan

    Conor Fegan is an up-and-coming junior noted for his work advising developers, public authorities, national interest groups and more on a range of planning matters. He has particular expertise in judicial reviews related to new developments and planning matters with environmental aspects.

    • Conor is a pleasure to work with, and his legal talent, combined with his exceptional strategic insight, has earned him the respect of both clients and senior counsel alike.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Conor Fegan is a pleasure to work with on planning matters.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Conor is a bright talent who consistently delivers excellent results, handles complex legal challenges with ease, and works in a way that is both highly professional and easy to collaborate with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
  • New SilksIsabella Tafur
    New SilksIsabella Tafur

    Isabella Tafur

    Isabella Tafur is a highly regarded junior known for her impressive advocacy skills and her expertise in infrastructure projects. She practises across numerous areas including heritage and Green Belt matters. She represents both appellants and local authorities in planning and enforcement appeals, and attracts praise from several top instructing solicitors.

    • Isabella is a great advocate who really puts the effort in to win cases for her clients.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Isabella Tafur is fantastic to work with in every way.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Isabella is a very strong and incisive barrister.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • She is an excellent barrister who is highly responsive and provides very strong advice.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
    • Isabella is a very strong junior who is charming with clients and provides very high-quality advice.

      Planning respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Francis Taylor Building (31)

London (Bar)

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