Planning & Environment | UK

Burges Salmon has a first-rate team that works on complex planning matters for both public and private sector clients across a range of projects, including notable regeneration schemes. The firm provides an impressive level of expertise in energy matters including wind farms, nuclear projects and pipelines. It also offers strengths in the planning aspects of mining matters and the links between environmental law and planning. The firm's specialist work includes consent and acquisition matters relating to highway developments. The team continues to advise on high-level compulsory purchase issues.

Osborne Clarke’s planning and environment teams advise on large-scale developments, infrastructure and renewable energy projects, with expertise in solar, waste-to-energy and retail planning matters. The firm also also handles Section 106 agreements, judicial reviews, environmental permitting and regulatory defence work for clients across the utilities, technology and house-building sectors.

Womble Bond Dickinson advises on complex compulsory purchases, use of powers and compensation. The firm acts for a range of parties including acquiring authorities, landowners and statutory undertakers.

Ashfords is renowned for its expertise in housebuilding, infrastructure planning and complex legal matters such as enforcement appeals, judicial reviews and development consent orders, particularly in the energy sector. The firm's environment team is recognised for its work on environmental permitting and regulatory compliance.

Clarke Willmott provides integrated planning and environmental law services, advising house builders, landowners, public bodies and agricultural clients. The team is known for its work on major residential and urban extension projects, including judicial reviews, inquiries, compulsory purchase and development consent orders. It also has strong expertise in environmental compliance, waste management and contaminated land issues.

DAC Beachcroft offers a wealth of experience in acting on contaminated land cases, as well as a range of regulatory matters. The team is frequently retained to defend clients against permit violation actions. Clients include landowners and developers, in addition to a number of public sector clients. The team also offers clients environmental advice and due diligence during commercial and corporate transactions.

Freeths offers a broad range of expertise in the planning and environment sectors. The firm represents clients in the construction, natural resources and waste industries, providing insight into evolving environmental law and policy.

Michelmores' South West planning and environment team is widely recognised for its deep expertise across both private and public sectors, particularly in complex infrastructure, renewable energy and environmental planning matters. Known for its leadership in areas like natural capital, nutrient neutrality and strategic development, the team regularly advises on nationally significant projects and provides thought leadership across the planning industry.

Bevan Brittan advises local authorities on a wide range of regeneration, housing and investment projects. The firm provides guidance on a variety of planning and compulsory purchase mandates.

Foot Anstey advises on a diverse range of planning and environmental work and continues to build on its reputation with clients in the energy and infrastructure, developer and private equity sectors in particular.

Thrings advises on rural and urban planning matters across the region, including development projects, environmental assessments and enforcement and appeals. Its work spans sectors such as agriculture, residential and commercial development and renewable energy, with additional expertise in environmental compliance, waste and cross-border legal issues.

TLT represents a varied range of clients, including those in housebuilding, retail and leisure, in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team frequently handles judicial reviews and High Court challenges. The firm regularly advises on the planning aspects of energy developments, particularly waste-to-energy plants and battery storage facilities. It has noted strength in compulsory purchase matters, including for major transportation and infrastructure projects.

Trowers & Hamlins is known for its work concerning large mixed-tenancy residential developments, and it acts for both local authorities and commercial developers. Its clients include NHS trusts and local councils across the country.