Planning | UK

Brodies has a first-rate planning team that regularly acts for public sector clients, such as local authorities, as well as substantial private sector clients. The team frequently handles infrastructure planning and compulsory purchase matters, and is noted for its work on planning inquiries. The 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.

Burges Salmon's dynamic practice advises on the full spread of planning issues. The team regularly advises on matters such as planning applications, Section 75 agreements and judicial reviews for large-scale residential development schemes. It also provides additional expertise in the renewable energy sector.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts acts on many contentious planning matters and has extensive experience handling cases in the Court of Session, as well as higher courts. The team regularly advises on energy developments and compulsory purchase matters. The lawyers are noted for their work for public sector clients including the Scottish and UK governments, with additional strength in road infrastructure. They also advise private sector clients on residential and retail development. In November 2023 Morton Fraser and MacRoberts merged, the combined firm is called Morton Fraser MacRoberts.

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.

Burness Paull has an impressive track record of advising house builders on development matters. Its clients often come from the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. The team 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.

Pinsent Masons is noted for its high-profile energy work and extensive experience of onshore wind. The team also advises on major infrastructure projects such as highways and harbour developments. It is regularly instructed to handle compulsory purchase matters as well as retail and residential developments, with clients often ranging from house builders to aggregates companies. Pinsent Masons also handles high-profile inquiries and appeals relating to wind farms, flood risk and other ecological concerns.

Irwin Mitchell took over Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie ion 2023. It is recommended for 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.