Department profile
Lester Aldridge LLP

Planning & Environment

UK Guide 2026 : The South

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Lester Aldridge LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning & Environment - The South

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Lester Aldridge has a well-regarded planning & environment team that capably advises a range of clients. With particular experience acting for a range of house builders, the firm is adept across residential and residential-led developments. The team has notable expertise in non-contentious planning mandates in particular, and continues to develop its expertise in natural capital projects including nitrate and phosphorous mitigation schemes.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Lester Aldridge advised Harry Ferguson Farms Limited in establishing one of the first biodiversity net gain credit schemes to be accepted for registration by Natural England.

  • Lester Aldridge assisted Captiva Homes in drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements in relation to a 130-unit affordable housing scheme.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm is proactive and keeps you up to date in terms of progress. It is experienced in terms of making suggestions to improve outcomes for clients.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • The planning team is very good at understanding and responding to client needs, and is sensitive to ensuring that counsel, solicitors and clients work together productively.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • Lester Aldridge has specialists in the relevant development fields. These specialists are leading lights in the industry. There are no gaps in their areas of operation or specialisms.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Matt Gilks
    Matt Gilks

    Matt Gilks

    Matt Gilks advises on a range of planning and environmental matters, including application strategy and transactional work. He has experience in bespoke business and residential development, biodiversity net gain and heritage development. He provides contentious and non-contentious advice ranging from enforcement defence work to planning obligations.

    • Matt gives a high level of service for clients, is attentive to their needs and has a curious and creative approach to legal issues, facilitated by his experience in planning.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Matt Gilks who enjoys a natural rapport with clients who obviously trust him for his excellent legal analysis, commercial acumen and responsiveness.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Matt is a great lawyer offering a range of expertise.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Matt is a solution-driven planning lawyer who is very experienced and a pleasure to work opposite.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Sabah Siddiq
    Sabah Siddiq

    Sabah Siddiq

    Sabah Siddiq brings deep expertise in local authority planning regulation to bear for her clients. She represents private landowners and commercial developers in both contentious and non-contentious matters, including enforcement, Section 106 and related applications, and Community Infrastructure Levy disputes.

    • Sabah Siddiq is very impressive. She keeps clients in the loop and happy with everything. I think she is an excellent solicitor.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Tom Alder
    Tom Alder

    Tom Alder

    Tom Alder deals with a broad range of planning issues, focusing his expertise on the housebuilding sector.

    • Tom has a good level of service, is responsive and on the ball, and displays a good level of awareness and sophistication in planning matters.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Tom is an exceptional senior adviser for us across the planning and environmental sectors. He has deep industry expertise, high service level and a focus on delivery.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Tom Alder is my go-to for anything planning related.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Lester Aldridge LLP (3)

The South

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