Landmark Chambers is a ‘go to’ set that ‘is unequalled in depth in the planning field’. The chambers has an established reputation in the development sector, while also carrying out significant work in the government and local government space. The set’s ‘enviable choice of counsel, both junior and senior’, appears in significant inquiries, promoting large urban extensions, as well as major mixed-use developments and tall buildings. Heather Sargent acted for Marks and Spencer after its application to demolish and rebuild its flagship store at Marble Arch, Oxford Street was called-in by the Secretary of State; Matthew Fraser represented the main objector, SAVE Britain’s Heritage, during the two-week public appeal. Fraser, led by David Elvin KC acting for Horse Hill Developments, was also one of several members involved in R (Finch) v Surrey County Council, a case concerning the scope of environmental impact assessments of hydrocarbon extraction projects, and its application – Richard Moules KC represented the Secretary of State in the same case Court of Appeal and led Nick Grant in the ongoing appeal in the Supreme Court. Timothy Corner KC led Guy Williams KC in Secretary of State for Transport v Curzon Park Ltd & others, representing the Secretary of State in the Supreme Court in a case concerning if CPO valuations should be increased by nearby planning applications. Tim Mould KC, as was, was appointed as a High Court Judge, effective February 2024.
Planning in
London Bar
Landmark Chambers
Testimonials
‘The service is excellent. I work mainly with Jason Allen and Kevin Squires who respond and deal with matters very quickly and efficiently. They are both very personable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The clerks team is first rate; always incredibly prompt in replying, courteous, well organised and informative. Mike Gooch stands out and I would also highlight Kevin Squires, Jonathan Barley and Jason Allen.’
‘The clerks are always readily available and particularly responsive. Mike Gooch is a particularly strong clerk and makes instruction as smooth as possible; I consider Mike to exemplify best practice. In addition, Ben Connor is an excellent clerk.’
‘The clerks are very quick to respond and provide excellent service; Richard Bolton, Mike Gooch and Ben Connor in particular have always been very easy to work with.’
‘The clerks provide a first-class service. They are responsive, user-friendly and reliable. They know their barristers very well. I particularly rate Ben Connor and Michael Gooch.’
‘Landmark is a clear frontrunner in terms of its depth of experience and knowledge of counsel, providing an enviable choice of counsel, both senior and junior.’
‘Landmark is the ‘go to’ chambers on planning and environmental law: always top notch.’
‘Landmark is an exceptional set for planning with enormous strength in depth. The planning talent is immense and they are extremely active in providing training and contributing to thought-leadership in the planning world.’
Work highlights
Francis Taylor Building
As ‘one of the leading barristers sets for planning‘, Francis Taylor Building provides a full spectrum planning practice. The chambers has an established and ‘deserved strong reputation‘ as an infrastructure set but has also seen a recent increase in residential schemes, from planning appeal inquiries to strategic advice to developers. A number of members have been instructed on the Sizewell C nuclear power station; Hereward Phillpot KC led for NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited, a subsidiary of EDF; Andrew Tait KC is acting for the local planning authority, East Suffolk Council, in the ongoing hearings; and Hugh Flanagan is acting for EDF Energy on its application for development consent and appeared in the High Court. Members of chambers are involved in the litigation concerning the proposal to build a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre over part of Victoria Tower Gardens; Meyric Lewis KC represented opponents London Gardens Trust and Save Victoria Tower Gardens, and Kate Olley acted for the Secretary of State and the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation. Richard Honey KC led the team of counsel on Friends of the Earth & South Lakeland Action on Climate Change v SSLUHC, defending two judicial reviews of the government’s approval of the Whitehaven coal mine. Simon Bird KC led Flanagan in Aquind Ltd v SSBEIS, appearing for the claimant after the Secretary of State refused a DCO for the proposed 2GW Aquind electricity interconnector between Le Havre and Portsmouth.
Testimonials
‘Clerks are very approachable and helpful. Great client service and knowledge of the sector from Paul Coveney and James Kemp in particular.’
‘James Kemp is excellent as deputy senior clerk.’
‘The clerks team is very strong, and the set are always a pleasure to deal with. In particular they are very good at liaising with the courts and other sets to help get hearings listed etc. My dealings are mostly with Andrew Briton but special mentions also for James Kemp and Harry Killick.’
‘I mainly deal with Harry Killick and Grant James, and they are a delight to work with: helpful and responsive.’
‘The clerks are all brilliant and very personable. We have been dealing most recently with Molly Dumbelton, who is responsive and helpful. I have always had positive experiences with Andrew Briton and Paul Coveney.’
‘FTB is one of the leading barristers sets for planning; and the first port of call for all major planning infrastructure work.’
‘Chambers is full of excellent barristers and has a deserved strong reputation in the planning world.’
‘First class for infrastructure planning. Very good quality training. Consistently high-quality individuals.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is a ‘premier set‘ for planning matters, demonstrating a ‘variety of seniority and a breadth of knowledge‘. Its members display ‘real strength in depth across the board‘, advising on rural development, urban regeneration, housing development and community infrastructure, as well as attending local plan examinations and appearing at both large and small-scale planning inquiries. The set has broad expertise across the transport sector from roads, airports and seaports to railways, tramways and bus ways, and various members, including Richard Wald KC, James Strachan KC and Jonathan Darby continue to be involved in the HS2 railway project. Strachan KC is also acting for Luton Airport on its expansion, leading Victoria Hutton, and with John Steel KC representing Luton Borough Council. Richard Harwood OBE KC appeared in the Supreme Court, acting in Swindon BC v SSHCLG, a leading case on the meaning of highway, the scope of planning conditions and the interpretation of a planning permission. Christiaan Zwart successfully promoted the development of The Brick Veil Mosque in Preston over a two week inquiry; the application for planning permission was called-in by the Secretary of State as it raised National Policy, listed building and neighbourhood plan issues.
Testimonials
‘Elliott Hurrell offers great clerking skills and is very amenable dealing with enquiries. The team of clerks are prompt and attentive and nothing is too much trouble.’
‘Elliott Hurrell and Andy Poyser are top class. Charlie Quant is a rising star.’
‘The service provided by Chambers and the clerks room is very good. Our instructions are usually placed through Elliott Hurrell and Oliver York, both of whom deal with matters effectively and efficiently.’
‘Andy Poyser is a delight to work with – knowledgeable, friendly and a head and shoulders above any other clerk in London.’
‘At all levels the clerks are fantastic. Andy Poyser is a well-known name in the planning world and excellent ambassador for the chambers.’
’39 is a premier set for planning and environmental law. It has a range of heavy hitters. Its clerking team is exceptional.’
’39 Essex is an excellent set for planning, environmental and public law, with a promising new development in real property.’
’39 Essex is a great set to work with. There’s a variety of seniority and a breadth of knowledge.’
Work highlights
Cornerstone Barristers
With ‘strong barristers at every level of experience‘, Cornerstone Barristers is involved in ‘very high-profile planning challenges‘, handling cases from the inquiry stage up to the Supreme Court. The set’s ‘real expertise in planning law‘, complemented by its proficiency in public law, property, energy, and local government law, makes it a ‘growing force in planning‘. Compulsory purchase and compensation cases is another area of expertise for the chambers. Thomas Cosgrove KC, leading Ruchi Parekh, successfully overturned a High Court decision on behalf of Mid Suffolk District Council in R (Thurston Parish Council) v Mid Suffolk DC and Bloor Homes, a significant Court of Appeal case within the planning arena on the distinction between interpretation and and application of planning policy. Several members have been involved in the Sunnica Energy Farm nationally significant infrastructure project; Michael Bedford KC appeared in the development consent order examination on behalf of Suffolk County Council, with Edward Grant and Parekh representing West Suffolk Council at the ongoing hearings. Harriet Townsend led for the local authority in R (Finch, on behalf of the Weald Action Group) v Surrey CC, arguing that, when considering an application for the commercial extraction of oil, it is not necessary to conduct an assessment of the emissions and climate impact of any subsequently manufactured products, as any such impact would not be an effect of development.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always very responsive. I have dealt with George Reagan a lot. He is always very quick to respond, follows up on queries and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Daniel Gatt is great, professional, extremely likeable, helpful and organised. All his team have consistently provided a high quality of service. Daniel always does his utmost to match counsel to the matter and to free up availability if at all possible.’
‘I think very highly of the clerks. I deal mainly with Daniel Gatt, Elliott Langdorf and Chelsea Thomas. They are all really helpful as well as friendly. This is one of the reasons why I use this set of chambers.’
‘Elliot Langdorf and Daniel Gatt stand out. Always willing to assist and give a choice of available counsel.’
‘Daniel Gatt very personable and professional, will work diaries around and try to find the best fit if a particular barrister is not available.’
‘Cornerstone is a strong set and has real expertise in planning law – I regularly attend their training seminars and have always found them informative, interesting and enjoyable.’
‘The set is a growing force in planning. The turnover is increasing, and barristers are doing very high-profile planning challenges in the courts.’
‘A superior set with strength and depth, providing an excellent service.’
Work highlights
Six Pump Court
Six Pump Court is a ‘very capable set with a strong expertise in planning‘, bolstered by the chambers’ regulatory and environment teams. The set’s ‘wealth of planning barristers‘ acts for a wide range of clients, from private sector parties, such as landowners, developers, infrastructure providers and interested third parties, to local authority clients across England and Wales. William Upton KC represented the Mears Group in the high-profile case of East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Mears Group and others concerning the accommodation of asylum seekers in local hotels and the distinction between hotels and hostels under planning law. Megan Thomas KC has promoted several plans for local planning authorities, appearing at the examinations of the local plans for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells – examples of the set’s strengths in the South East of England outside London.
Testimonials
‘Michael Hearn is a top-drawer clerk, highly likable and very professional.’
‘Michael Hearn at 6 Pump Court is the best clerk I have worked with. It is clear that Michael works incredibly hard to provide an excellent service to all the clients of the chambers, treating solicitors as valued customers. Daniel Jenkins, although very junior, is showing promise of becoming an excellent clerk.’
‘I regularly deal with Ryan Barrow who is my main point of contact. However, over time I have dealt with all the clerks who are all very accessible and helpful.’
‘The clerks at 6 Pump Court are excellent. Ryan Barrow in particular is always very quick to respond.’
‘6 Pump Court have a wealth of planning barristers; each barrister I have worked with has been friendly as well as extremely knowledgeable within their field. They run regular training events which are always excellent and very informative.’
‘Very capable set with a strong expertise in planning and members who will go the extra mile.’
‘All counsels that I have worked with have in-depth knowledge of planning law and they are able to explain in a clear manner any complexities that may arise. ‘
‘6 Pump Court is a set that is small by modern standards, but it does offer a breadth of experience and personal service.’
Work highlights
Landmark Chambers
Testimonials
‘The service is excellent. I work mainly with Jason Allen and Kevin Squires who respond and deal with matters very quickly and efficiently. They are both very personable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The clerks team is first rate; always incredibly prompt in replying, courteous, well organised and informative. Mike Gooch stands out and I would also highlight Kevin Squires, Jonathan Barley and Jason Allen.’
‘The clerks are always readily available and particularly responsive. Mike Gooch is a particularly strong clerk and makes instruction as smooth as possible; I consider Mike to exemplify best practice. In addition, Ben Connor is an excellent clerk.’
‘The clerks are very quick to respond and provide excellent service; Richard Bolton, Mike Gooch and Ben Connor in particular have always been very easy to work with.’
‘The clerks provide a first-class service. They are responsive, user-friendly and reliable. They know their barristers very well. I particularly rate Ben Connor and Michael Gooch.’
‘Landmark is a clear frontrunner in terms of its depth of experience and knowledge of counsel, providing an enviable choice of counsel, both senior and junior.’
‘Landmark is the ‘go to’ chambers on planning and environmental law: always top notch.’
‘Landmark is an exceptional set for planning with enormous strength in depth. The planning talent is immense and they are extremely active in providing training and contributing to thought-leadership in the planning world.’
Work highlights
Francis Taylor Building
As ‘one of the leading barristers sets for planning‘, Francis Taylor Building provides a full spectrum planning practice. The chambers has an established and ‘deserved strong reputation‘ as an infrastructure set but has also seen a recent increase in residential schemes, from planning appeal inquiries to strategic advice to developers. A number of members have been instructed on the Sizewell C nuclear power station; Hereward Phillpot KC led for NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited, a subsidiary of EDF; Andrew Tait KC is acting for the local planning authority, East Suffolk Council, in the ongoing hearings; and Hugh Flanagan is acting for EDF Energy on its application for development consent and appeared in the High Court. Members of chambers are involved in the litigation concerning the proposal to build a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre over part of Victoria Tower Gardens; Meyric Lewis KC represented opponents London Gardens Trust and Save Victoria Tower Gardens, and Kate Olley acted for the Secretary of State and the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation. Richard Honey KC led the team of counsel on Friends of the Earth & South Lakeland Action on Climate Change v SSLUHC, defending two judicial reviews of the government’s approval of the Whitehaven coal mine. Simon Bird KC led Flanagan in Aquind Ltd v SSBEIS, appearing for the claimant after the Secretary of State refused a DCO for the proposed 2GW Aquind electricity interconnector between Le Havre and Portsmouth.
Testimonials
‘Clerks are very approachable and helpful. Great client service and knowledge of the sector from Paul Coveney and James Kemp in particular.’
‘James Kemp is excellent as deputy senior clerk.’
‘The clerks team is very strong, and the set are always a pleasure to deal with. In particular they are very good at liaising with the courts and other sets to help get hearings listed etc. My dealings are mostly with Andrew Briton but special mentions also for James Kemp and Harry Killick.’
‘I mainly deal with Harry Killick and Grant James, and they are a delight to work with: helpful and responsive.’
‘The clerks are all brilliant and very personable. We have been dealing most recently with Molly Dumbelton, who is responsive and helpful. I have always had positive experiences with Andrew Briton and Paul Coveney.’
‘FTB is one of the leading barristers sets for planning; and the first port of call for all major planning infrastructure work.’
‘Chambers is full of excellent barristers and has a deserved strong reputation in the planning world.’
‘First class for infrastructure planning. Very good quality training. Consistently high-quality individuals.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is a ‘premier set‘ for planning matters, demonstrating a ‘variety of seniority and a breadth of knowledge‘. Its members display ‘real strength in depth across the board‘, advising on rural development, urban regeneration, housing development and community infrastructure, as well as attending local plan examinations and appearing at both large and small-scale planning inquiries. The set has broad expertise across the transport sector from roads, airports and seaports to railways, tramways and bus ways, and various members, including Richard Wald KC, James Strachan KC and Jonathan Darby continue to be involved in the HS2 railway project. Strachan KC is also acting for Luton Airport on its expansion, leading Victoria Hutton, and with John Steel KC representing Luton Borough Council. Richard Harwood OBE KC appeared in the Supreme Court, acting in Swindon BC v SSHCLG, a leading case on the meaning of highway, the scope of planning conditions and the interpretation of a planning permission. Christiaan Zwart successfully promoted the development of The Brick Veil Mosque in Preston over a two week inquiry; the application for planning permission was called-in by the Secretary of State as it raised National Policy, listed building and neighbourhood plan issues.
Testimonials
‘Elliott Hurrell offers great clerking skills and is very amenable dealing with enquiries. The team of clerks are prompt and attentive and nothing is too much trouble.’
‘Elliott Hurrell and Andy Poyser are top class. Charlie Quant is a rising star.’
‘The service provided by Chambers and the clerks room is very good. Our instructions are usually placed through Elliott Hurrell and Oliver York, both of whom deal with matters effectively and efficiently.’
‘Andy Poyser is a delight to work with – knowledgeable, friendly and a head and shoulders above any other clerk in London.’
‘At all levels the clerks are fantastic. Andy Poyser is a well-known name in the planning world and excellent ambassador for the chambers.’
’39 is a premier set for planning and environmental law. It has a range of heavy hitters. Its clerking team is exceptional.’
’39 Essex is an excellent set for planning, environmental and public law, with a promising new development in real property.’
’39 Essex is a great set to work with. There’s a variety of seniority and a breadth of knowledge.’
Work highlights
Cornerstone Barristers
With ‘strong barristers at every level of experience‘, Cornerstone Barristers is involved in ‘very high-profile planning challenges‘, handling cases from the inquiry stage up to the Supreme Court. The set’s ‘real expertise in planning law‘, complemented by its proficiency in public law, property, energy, and local government law, makes it a ‘growing force in planning‘. Compulsory purchase and compensation cases is another area of expertise for the chambers. Thomas Cosgrove KC, leading Ruchi Parekh, successfully overturned a High Court decision on behalf of Mid Suffolk District Council in R (Thurston Parish Council) v Mid Suffolk DC and Bloor Homes, a significant Court of Appeal case within the planning arena on the distinction between interpretation and and application of planning policy. Several members have been involved in the Sunnica Energy Farm nationally significant infrastructure project; Michael Bedford KC appeared in the development consent order examination on behalf of Suffolk County Council, with Edward Grant and Parekh representing West Suffolk Council at the ongoing hearings. Harriet Townsend led for the local authority in R (Finch, on behalf of the Weald Action Group) v Surrey CC, arguing that, when considering an application for the commercial extraction of oil, it is not necessary to conduct an assessment of the emissions and climate impact of any subsequently manufactured products, as any such impact would not be an effect of development.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always very responsive. I have dealt with George Reagan a lot. He is always very quick to respond, follows up on queries and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Daniel Gatt is great, professional, extremely likeable, helpful and organised. All his team have consistently provided a high quality of service. Daniel always does his utmost to match counsel to the matter and to free up availability if at all possible.’
‘I think very highly of the clerks. I deal mainly with Daniel Gatt, Elliott Langdorf and Chelsea Thomas. They are all really helpful as well as friendly. This is one of the reasons why I use this set of chambers.’
‘Elliot Langdorf and Daniel Gatt stand out. Always willing to assist and give a choice of available counsel.’
‘Daniel Gatt very personable and professional, will work diaries around and try to find the best fit if a particular barrister is not available.’
‘Cornerstone is a strong set and has real expertise in planning law – I regularly attend their training seminars and have always found them informative, interesting and enjoyable.’
‘The set is a growing force in planning. The turnover is increasing, and barristers are doing very high-profile planning challenges in the courts.’
‘A superior set with strength and depth, providing an excellent service.’
Work highlights
Six Pump Court
Six Pump Court is a ‘very capable set with a strong expertise in planning‘, bolstered by the chambers’ regulatory and environment teams. The set’s ‘wealth of planning barristers‘ acts for a wide range of clients, from private sector parties, such as landowners, developers, infrastructure providers and interested third parties, to local authority clients across England and Wales. William Upton KC represented the Mears Group in the high-profile case of East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Mears Group and others concerning the accommodation of asylum seekers in local hotels and the distinction between hotels and hostels under planning law. Megan Thomas KC has promoted several plans for local planning authorities, appearing at the examinations of the local plans for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells – examples of the set’s strengths in the South East of England outside London.
Testimonials
‘Michael Hearn is a top-drawer clerk, highly likable and very professional.’
‘Michael Hearn at 6 Pump Court is the best clerk I have worked with. It is clear that Michael works incredibly hard to provide an excellent service to all the clients of the chambers, treating solicitors as valued customers. Daniel Jenkins, although very junior, is showing promise of becoming an excellent clerk.’
‘I regularly deal with Ryan Barrow who is my main point of contact. However, over time I have dealt with all the clerks who are all very accessible and helpful.’
‘The clerks at 6 Pump Court are excellent. Ryan Barrow in particular is always very quick to respond.’
‘6 Pump Court have a wealth of planning barristers; each barrister I have worked with has been friendly as well as extremely knowledgeable within their field. They run regular training events which are always excellent and very informative.’
‘Very capable set with a strong expertise in planning and members who will go the extra mile.’
‘All counsels that I have worked with have in-depth knowledge of planning law and they are able to explain in a clear manner any complexities that may arise. ‘
‘6 Pump Court is a set that is small by modern standards, but it does offer a breadth of experience and personal service.’