Department profile
Six Pump Court

Planning

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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Six Pump Court

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning - London (Bar)

Band 4

What the Team is Known For

Six Pump Court is well regarded for planning work in both advisory and litigation contexts, with an affinity for matters that overlap with related disciplines such as regulatory and environmental law. Barristers at the set represent all manner of clients in the planning world, including private entities, such as developers, infrastructure providers and landowners, and public bodies, such as a number of London boroughs and other local authorities. An interviewee states the team is made up of "experienced barristers who are friendly, knowledgeable and courteous". Another source adds: "They are planning specialists who can competently take on complex and sophisticated matters." This year, a work highlight for the set was appearing in the appeal regarding the demolition of Holborn Studios.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks are exceptional and communicate very well.

    Planning respondentUK Bar

  • Richard Constable is the lead clerk and stands out for his approach and responsiveness, and his attention to detail.

    Planning respondentUK Bar

  • Six Pump Court maintains a responsive and friendly clerking team who manages diaries and fees very effectively and are easy to correspond with.

    Planning respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Anne Williams
    Anne Williams

    Anne Williams

    Anne Williams receives praise for her consistently high-quality client service as well as her keen legal skills. As a barrister, qualified planner and regular inspector at village green inquiries, she is able to apply her extensive experience to high-profile and complex cases of all types. She represents developers and public authorities and has experience in cases that involve sensitive issues surrounding government and local government policy.

    • Anne has excellent knowledge of planning and a very good grasp of design-related issues.

      Planning respondentUK Bar

    • Anne is successful in her work and has excellent communication skills.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
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  • Mark Beard
    Mark Beard

    Mark Beard

    Mark Beard is known for his holistic planning practice that covers residential, retail and leisure development, as well as matters of enforcement and planning policy. He has experience with diverse technical cases in the sector, including those involving housing supply, mixed-use schemes and development management issues. He also has substantial expertise in bringing legal challenges to the High Court and the Court of Appeal, and is recognised for his aptitude in the use of injunctions.

    • Mark offers practical advice which results in positive commercial arrangements for his clients.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
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  • Giles Atkinson
    Giles Atkinson

    Giles Atkinson

    Giles Atkinson is recognised for his work for local authorities, covering both advice on planning matters and representation in public inquiries. He can draw on a decade of experience working as a town planner and has represented councils in numerous cases relating to urban regeneration projects. He has specialist expertise in planning enforcement, including associated POCA issues.

    • He is an excellent planning lawyer who has great expertise and is very good to work with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar

    • Giles is an extremely thorough and methodical lawyer who provides clear and prompt advice and is an expert in the field.

      Planning respondentUK Bar

    • Giles is approachable and a pleasure to work with, displaying an open demeanour and providing reassurance during stressful moments.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
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  • Megan Thomas
    Megan Thomas

    Megan Thomas

    Megan Thomas KC makes regular appearances in complex judicial reviews and planning inquiries. She frequently advises on Local Plans, as well as compulsory purchase matters, and has additional expertise in planning enforcement cases.

    • Megan is very good with clients and is a real pleasure to work with.

      Planning respondentUK Bar

    • Megan provides superb knowledge, expertise and experience in planning matters.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
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  • William Upton
    William Upton

    William Upton

    William Upton KC leads the chambers' planning group. He has over 20 years of experience in the field at his command. He represents both developers and local authorities, and also frequently engages with planning policy. He is called upon by LPAs to advise on core strategies and also has the technical nous to handle niche cases, especially those with environmental overlap.

    • William is a leading barrister on planning matters who assists with complex issues and is very approachable.

      Planning respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Six Pump Court (5)

London (Bar)

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