Planning & Environment | UK

Brodies has a first-rate planning team that regularly acts for public and private sector clients and demonstrates strength across a broad array of environmental disciplines. It frequently handles infrastructure planning and compulsory purchase matters and is noted for its work in land, waste and energy matters. Its lawyers are also highly experienced in renewable energy and residential property matters such as onshore wind and affordable housing. The team provides additional expertise in the planning aspects of retail and leisure schemes.

CMS takes on a broad spectrum of environmental and planning work, acting for public and private sector clients across energy, retail and chemical sectors. The team offers notable experience in compliance and enforcement issues and also assists with environmental impact assessments and corporate due diligence. CMS is also noted for its work on student accommodation and hotels, managing major portfolios and development proposals.

Pinsent Masons is a major player in the planning and environment market, with credentials across a broad range of transactional and regulatory matters. Its areas of expertise span across major infrastructure, energy and onshore wind projects, as well as specialist knowledge of the nuclear arena. The team is regularly engaged on highly contentious environment cases, with clients including developers, utility companies and local authorities. It is also called upon to handle high-profile inquiries and appeals relating to flood risk and other ecological concerns.

Burness Paull offers a wide range of environmental and planning services across Scotland and is adept in handling oil and gas, renewable energy and marine matters. The team also offers expertise on climate change and has longstanding experience in a range of planning matters, such as compulsory purchase orders and Section 75 obligations and is also noted for its contentious capability, in particular judicial reviews and statutory appeals.

Harper Macleod is recognised for its experience when it comes to handling the planning aspects of renewable energy projects. Its broad expertise covers Section 36 consent applications and compulsory purchase, with notable experience representing clients in hearings, public inquiries and judicial reviews. Its client roster includes public bodies, local authorities and energy companies.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts acts on contentious planning matters and has extensive experience of handling cases in the Court of Session, as well as higher courts. The team regularly advises on energy developments and compulsory purchase matters. Its lawyers are noted for their work for public sector clients, including the Scottish and UK governments, with additional strength in road infrastructure. It also advises private sector clients on residential and retail development.

Addleshaw Goddard has a highly experienced team that frequently advises clients on planning issues across the infrastructure, housing and retail sectors. It offers expertise in both contentious and non-contentious matters, including public hearings and inquiries, promoting development consent orders and providing strategic planning advice.

Burges Salmon's dynamic practice advises across the full spread of planning issues. The team regularly handles matters such as planning applications, compulsory purchases and judicial reviews for large-scale residential development schemes. It also provides additional expertise in the renewable energy sector.

Davidson Chalmers Stewart offers considerable expertise in a range of environmental matters, particularly in relation to waste management. It advises clients on permitting and regulatory compliance, as well as appealing environmental enforcement notices. The team demonstrates niche expertise in issues relating to the development of former quarry sites.

Eversheds Sutherland garners recognition for its representation of major renewable energy infrastructure developers, including both offshore and onshore projects. Most noticeably, it is called upon for their expertise in inquiry sessions. The team also conducts advocacy during planning inquiries.

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie is recommended for its expertise in the planning aspects of energy projects, particularly in relation to onshore and offshore wind, and other renewable energy schemes. The team is also highly adept at handling the appeals process.