Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, Planning

About

Provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

Our market leading planning law practice is top ranked by the independent legal directories Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. The expertise and detailed technical knowledge of our planning and environment lawyers gives us the ability to advise on all aspects of planning, right across England, Wales and Scotland. Whether it’s a complex city centre site or a large tract of rural land, we help our clients successfully navigate their way through what has become a highly involved process.

We provide advice on consenting strategies and analyse the information needed to support planning applications for consent prior to submission. We also advise on planning appeals (including advocacy), enforcement issues and court challenges.

Our clients include a range of private and public sector organisations, for whom we offer tailored advice on issues such as energy (including renewables), infrastructure, regeneration, housing, retail, waste and minerals.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning - Scotland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Shepherd and Wedderburn has an enviable reputation across Scotland for a broad range of planning expertise, and it boasts industry-leading experts in housebuilding and energy planning matters. The team offers experience in retail planning issues too, regularly working for some of the UK's largest retailers. Its lawyers are also greatly experienced in contentious work, dealing with planning appeals and other issues in all courts.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

Shepherd and Wedderburn advised at two public inquiries before the Scottish Ministers in relation to applications under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for onshore wind, solar and battery proposals.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

I think the advice is exceptional. They make sure we are fully prepared and fully aware, receiving very commercially astute advice.

Planning respondent
UK

They are clear thinkers, knowledgeable and good communicators. When we've had to rely on expertise they have always found someone with the depth of knowledge to guide us through the issues.

Planning respondent
UK

They have expert knowledge, approachability and readiness to answer even the smallest of queries. It's always top-class advice from all members and a willingness to understand the broader picture.

Planning respondent
UK

I think the advice is exceptional. They make sure we are fully prepared and fully aware, receiving very commercially astute advice.

Planning respondent
UK

They are clear thinkers, knowledgeable and good communicators. When we've had to rely on expertise they have always found someone with the depth of knowledge to guide us through the issues.

Planning respondent
UK

They have expert knowledge, approachability and readiness to answer even the smallest of queries. It's always top-class advice from all members and a willingness to understand the broader picture.

Planning respondent
UK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Colin Innes

Head of Planning

Band 1

Colin Innes is highly acclaimed for his experience advising on a variety of planning issues and is particularly well regarded for his expertise representing clients at hearings and public inquiries.

I regard Colin as the number one planning lawyer in Scotland.

Colin is extremely knowledgeable.

View Profile

Craig Whelton

Band 1

Craig Whelton regularly acts for major house builders, energy companies and public sector bodies. He is well versed in both contentious and non-contentious planning matters, particularly in regard to housebuilding.

Craig is a wealth of knowledge across all development sectors. He is highly responsive and provides excellent advice.

He is very personable and intellectual. He gets to the root of an issue very quickly and communicates it to the team.

I had a very positive experience with Craig. He brought expertise and has outflanked complex challenges.

Craig has become very deeply embedded in our project team and has provided a high-quality and very responsive service to help us meet recent deadlines.

View Profile

Ewan Macleod

Band 1

Ewan Macleod frequently acts for house builders and developers on a range of planning issues, with expertise in the residential development, retail and waste sectors. He has considerable experience in public inquiries and hearings.

Ewan is very commercially aware and gives advice focused on the law. He can communicate quite complex legal matters, has a good knowledge of the law and gives concise argument and advice.

Ewan is always good to speak with in relation to all planning and housing matters. He provides excellent, well thought-out advice and is very approachable.

Ewan has a great deal of experience and he's very innovative in thinking up ideas and arguments. Very good at managing the client's expectations.

View Profile

Fraser Mitchell

Band 2

Fraser Mitchell advises clients on planning issues, such as compulsory purchase, complex Section 75 agreements and planning appeals. He is particularly well versed in advising housebuilders in relation to residential development schemes.

Fraser is very responsive to enquiries and very responsive to time pressures. We can rely on his advice for our negotiations.

Fraser's technical ability, experience and reputation in the market is very strong, particularly with housebuilders.

Fraser is an excellent planning lawyer with a deep understanding, great experience and a professional and thoughtful approach.

Fraser is a great lawyer and always gives excellent, sound advice.

View Profile

Filter by