Next Generation Partners

Environment and planning in South East

Blandy & Blandy LLP

Housing a ‘focused and intelligent’ practice, Blandy & Blandy LLP is recommended for its vast expertise in planning appeals and public inquiries. The team also assists clients with a broad range of environmental matters, particularly in relation to conservation. Based in Reading, Karen Jones heads the practice, and is a key contact for complex projects. Sabah Siddiq is another standout member of the team, who regularly handles both contentious and non-contentious matters involving planning and highways.

Practice head(s):

Karen Jones


Other key lawyers:

Sabah Siddiq


Testimonials

‘Karen Jones and Sabah Siddiq are exceptional.’

‘They are a well-focused planning practice. They offer very clear advice.’

‘I use Blandy & Blandy in preference to London based firms as they have a focused and intelligent planning team that provides more attention to detail on a case.’

‘Karen Jones gives clear explanations to clients. The written opinions on complex matters are always impressively clear, succinct, and forceful where needed. She responds well to instructions and engages enthusiastically with projects.’

‘They have an excellent small planning practice led by Partner Karen Jones, which punches well above its weight.

‘Karen Jones is a fountain of knowledge. She is very experienced, a great strategist, and very accessible.’

‘Blandy & Blandy is a highly professional practice with a great planning law team. Having used them on several occasions for client requirements, they have always done a super job in a reasonably short timeframe.’

‘Sabah Siddiq is super to work with. She is detailed, responsive, friendly, helpful, and most importantly, she always gets the job done.’

Key clients

Hargreaves Homes Limited


Shorts Group Limited


R Collard Limited


Elegant Homes Reading Limited


Blenheim Construction Limited


Englefield Estate Trust Corporation Limited


Rumsby Homes Limited


Cove Construction Limited


Bourne Homes Limited


The Hartley Trust


Work highlights


  • Acted for a private client regarding a two-day public inquiry in connection with refusal by West Berkshire Council relating to an application for a change of use from paddock to use as a residential garden.
  • Acted for a client in judicial review proceedings issued challenging the issue of planning permission, in which the matter was subsequently negotiated and settled.
  • Acted for Cove Construction Limited regarding the drafting, negotiating and completing of a complex s106 Agreement in connection with a planning inquiry.

Cripps

Cripps is noted for its broad experience in development projects within the residential housing and retail sectors. The team also has in-depth knowledge of environmental issues such as nutrient mitigation and biodiversity net gain. Leading the Tunbridge Wells based group, Beth Gascoyne routinely handles planning appeals, planning inquiries, and judicial reviews, in addition to advising on highway and infrastructure matters. Rebecca Crosdil is recommended for her deep experience in mandates involving section 106 agreements and site planning history reviews.

Practice head(s):

Beth Gascoyne


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Crosdil


Testimonials

‘Beth Gascoyne is pragmatic and commercial in her advice. She is able to see the wider picture rather than focus on technicalities. She really listens to her clients, and happily works as part of a wider team to achieve the desired outcomes.’

‘This team offers a service we cannot find easily elsewhere.’

‘The team is very strong on planning matters and provide day to day advice, which is well thought out and useful.’

‘Beth Gascoyne is a delight to work with. She is tenacious in dealing with council lawyers and agreeing section 106 matters.’

‘They are friendly, hugely capable, and fabulously proactive.’

‘It has been a pleasure to work with various members of the Cripps team. They punch well above their weight. They deal with complex and difficult issues in a supremely calm and measured way.’

Key clients

Redrow Homes


Wates Developments


Persimmon Homes


Hillreed Homes


BDW Trading Limited


Elivia Homes


Sevenoaks District Council


Town and Country Housing


Cadogan


Work highlights


  • Acted for Redrow Homes regarding the drafting and negotiating of a section 106 agreement on behalf relating to a major a new garden village suburb for Tring incorporating 1,400 residential dwellings.
  • Acted for Wates Developments and Redrow Homes regarding the drafting and negotiation of a section 106 agreement relating to a major new residential-led mixed-use development providing 1,500 homes.
  • Acted for Persimmon Homes Limited regarding the negotiation of a section 106 agreement for a hybrid phased development of approximately 1,200 residential units in the south east of England.

DMH Stallard LLP

The environment and planning team at DMH Stallard LLP stands out due to its broad expertise spanning highway infrastructure issues, water neutrality, planning appeals, and compulsory purchase orders. Leading the team from Gatwick, Heidi Copland has significant experience in advising on housing schemes as well as cases undergoing judicial review. Peter Rainier and Chloe Karamian are key members of the team. Rainer is well-versed in waste applications and appeals. With her previous experience working for a local authority, Karamian is skilled at navigating complex planning and environmental procedures.

Practice head(s):

Heidi Copland


Other key lawyers:

Peter Rainier; Chloe Karamian; Daniel Frisby


Testimonials

‘They are a proficient team who really care about their clients and go the extra mile.’

‘They provided expert advice. The collaboration was excellent and delivered clearly.’

‘The team took into consideration the emotional impact the project had on their client. They displayed empathy in delivering key information and advice that enabled confidence in decision making. The team did a very good job in empowering the client in order to enable a full understanding of the process and outcomes.’

‘They have a solid and reliable practice.’

‘They always provide a good and prompt service. They have in-depth knowledge. Their reports are excellent.’

‘Daniel Frisby, Peter Rainier, and Heidi Copland proved to be invaluable.’

‘They are a firm that is easy to deal with. They always seem to have the capability to turn things around in a timely manner and meet any formally imposed deadlines, such as in planning appeals.’

‘Each team member is very professional and knowledgeable, which is very assuring for the client. They are very approachable and happy to discuss any matters of concern.’

Key clients

Crest Nicholson


Countryside Properties


Trail Riders Fellowship


Oxted Residential Ltd


Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club


Newhaven Port and Properties Limited


Open Spaces Society


Sweeptech Environmental Services


Wealden and Rother Councils Joint Legal Services


Crawley Borough Council


Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd


Rydon Homes Ltd


Crownhall Estates Ltd


AGB Reading LLP


Concept Developments


Park Lane Homes


Work highlights


  • Acting for Crawley Borough Council on their s106 agreements to deliver bespoke s 106 solutions to water neutrality and Biodiversity Net Gain.
  • Acting for the Trail Riders Fellowship in respect of a number of matters, including instructing Counsel and issuing proceedings involving statutory reviews relating to Traffic Regulation Orders and DMMOs.
  • Acting for Rydon Homes as their retained planning consultant.

Holmes & Hills

Holmes & Hills houses a team of planning specialists located in Essex, headed by Michael Harman and managing partner Steven Hopkins. With strong litigation capabilities, the team particularly excels at handling contentious planning law matters. Hopkins regularly advises on planning inquiries, while Harman is recommended for matters relating to compulsory purchase orders. Sarah Hare is experienced at negotiating and drafting section 106 agreements. Described by clients as ‘knowledgeable, professional, personable, and responsive’, Joanna Lilliott is a standout member of the team who regularly advises local councils on a variety of planning matters.

Practice head(s):

Steven Hopkins; Michael Harman


Other key lawyers:

Jo Lilliott; Sarah Hare


Testimonials

‘Michael Harman consistently delivers an excellent level of expertise.’

‘Joanne Lilliot is knowledgeable, professional, personable, and responsive. I am very happy with the service she provides.’

‘Michael Harman is very good with queries regarding covenants as well as land registry issues.’

‘Joanna Lilliott is highly regarded and consistently provides excellent legal advice in all matters relating to planning obligations and section 106 agreements.’

‘The team provides legal support across a range of matters, including section 106 agreements, planning enforcement, compulsory purchase orders as well as general planning and procedural matters. The team are always helpful and supportive.’

‘Michael Harman was excellent. He was a pleasure to work with. He’s a good communicator.’

‘Holmes & Hills provide a one-stop-shop for all aspects of law and guidance in relation to town and country planning matters.’

‘Steven Hopkins is go-to lawyer. He knows everything. He provides sage, cogent advice on all the planning matters.’

Key clients

Braintree District Council


Colchester Borough Council


Harlow District Council


Babergh Mid Suffolk District Council


Rochford District Council


Aspire Luxury Homes Limited


Chelmsford Cars & Commercials Limited


Colchester United Hospitality Limited


Fristling Hall Farm Limited


George Tanner Limited


Hadleigh Bakery Limited


Hills Residential Limited


Humphreys & Sons


Lansbury Developments Limited


Phase 2 Planning & Development Limited


Rose Builders Limited


Smart Planning Limited


Wickford Development Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Colchester City Council in connection with s106 planning obligations.
  • Acted for numerous blight and discretionary purchase applications since the summer of 2020 regarding the Development Consent Order to undertake improvement works to the A12 and A120 roadways.
  • Acted for a local authority in respect of a judicial review of the local planning authority’s decision to refuse to grant planning permission following its planning committee’s original resolution to grant it.

Irwin Mitchell

The team at Irwin Mitchell has considerable experience in assisting clients with large and complex development projects, especially within the housing sector. Described as an ‘exceptional’ and ‘well-respected’ expert, Nicola Gooch works out of the Gatwick office handling a variety of matters, including planning reviews, farm diversification schemes, judicial reviews, and nutrient neutrality requirements. James Pavey is noted for his skill in handling contentious planning cases, routinely acting for clients at informal hearings and inquiries. Sejal Patel stands out due to her exceptional knowledge of urban mixed-use regeneration, nitrate mitigation schemes, and biodiversity net gain.

Other key lawyers:

Nicola Gooch; James Pavey; Sejal Patel


Testimonials

‘The planning team at Irwin Mitchell is growing in importance and profile. It has a very good reputation and has excellent lawyers covering all parts of the country.’

‘Nicola Gooch is brilliant and is a well-respected expert. She is great with clients and knows more about planning than most.’

‘They are excellent at responding in a timely manner, working to tight deadlines, and providing sound advice based on an outstanding technical knowledge across the team.’

‘Nicola Gooch is an exceptional individual with first-class technical knowledge and the ability to communicate even the most complex matters in a digestible way. She is dedicated, responsive, highly commercial, and an absolute joy to work with.’

‘They are a highly personable firm that offer high quality legal advice.’

‘Nicola Gooch is an inspiring role model for women in the industry. She is not only a thought leader and expert in her field, but she manages to maintain her day-to-day role for her clients, providing high quality and professional advice. She is also a joy to work with. She is always upbeat and positive.’

‘They offer a very personal and quick service.’

Key clients

Millwall Football Club


Ford Consortium Landowners


Hunter Developments Limited


Praxis Capital Limited


Berkeley Homes


Artisan Leeds Kirkstall Limited


Lifestory Group Limited


Artisan Saltaire Limited


Black Office Holdings Limited


Roffey Homes


Work highlights


  • Advised Millwall Football Club on its planning permission for a new football academy and training ground in West Kingsdown.
  • Advising Praxis Capital Limited on the planning aspects of several high value acquisitions in the UK.
  • Advising a landowner consortium on the planning aspects of a large-scale development at Ford Airfield.

Shoosmiths LLP

The team at Shoosmiths LLP is co-headed by Kirsten Hewson in Solent, and Charles Arrand in Milton Keynes. Their combined experience includes advising on nitrate neutrality requirements, highways and infrastructure matters, environmental offences, and mixed-use development schemes. Utilising the knowledge that she gained while working at the Environment Agency, Joanne Sears is ‘an excellent practitioner’ who specialises in regulatory and criminal matters; she is particularly recommended for pollution and nuisance investigations. Kayleigh Chapman is also noted for experience advising local authorities, developers, and landowners.

Practice head(s):

Kirsten Hewson; Charles Arrand


Other key lawyers:

Kayleigh Chapman; Joanne Sears


Testimonials

‘The team at Shoosmiths is really well embedded in the environmental sphere. Joanne Sears in particular is an excellent practitioner who brings her knowledge as a former Environment Agency lawyer to bear on the cases she is involved. She is exceptional at steering a course through choppy waters.’

‘The team is big enough and experienced enough to have dealt with almost any environmental issue which may emerge.’

‘Joanne Sear is excellent particularly when litigation is threatened or ongoing. Charles Arrand is a very experienced and steady lawyer particularly for big corporates who are faced with criminal proceedings.’

‘The team has been able to advise on a wide range of section 106 related issues, including the new BNG provisions. They have also helped with planning inquiries. The team has been excellent in terms of their professionalism and support.’

‘The responsiveness and professional support of Kayleigh Chapman has been excellent at all times. Her ability to articulate legal drafting for planning officers is really important.’

‘The team is pragmatic, detailed, and experienced.’

Key clients

Travel Sector Property Limited


Brenntag


St Modwen Properties Limited


Linnaeus Veterinary Limited


Buckland Development Limited


Grainger Plc


HN Butler Famrs


Roke Manor Limited


Churchill Retirement Living Limited


Lancaster City Council


The Land Trust


Wirral Growth Company


Packaged Living Limited


McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Limited


Frontier Developments Limited


Enable Care Limited


Sigma Capital Property Limited


Hertsmere Borough Council


Work highlights


  • Advising Buckland Development Limited on the implementation of Welborne Garden Village.
  • Advising on a successful appeal against a civil penalty imposed under the F-Gas Regulations.
  • Advising a commercial landlord and property developer on compliance with environmental regulations, resulting in the forfeiture of a tenant’s lease.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

With Valerie Fogleman heading the practice in Guilford, Stevens & Bolton LLP stands out for its expertise and specialism in environmental law. Fogleman handles the full spectrum of environmental matters, including soil contamination and water pollution, in addition to advising on environmental insurance and liability policies.

Practice head(s):

Valerie Fogleman


Testimonials

‘Valerie Fogleman is a top-notch specialist, with extensive knowledge and the ability to put it into practice. Also, her ability to work in a team is very high.’

Key clients

AXA XL


RPA Europe srl


Work highlights


  • Advising AXA XL, a global insurance and reinsurance company, on various complex claims concerning environmental insurance and general liability policies.
  • Assisting the European Commission with the preparation of an issue paper on the application of the polluter pays principle to ex-post liability for accidental environmental damage, including pollution and related environmental damage.
  • Assisting the European Commission with a study in support of the evaluation of the environmental liability Directive and its implementation as part of a consortium.

Attwaters Solicitors LLP

Attwaters Solicitors LLP routinely acts for a diverse range of clients, including property developers, planning consultants, local authorities, and individuals. The team has vast experience in the negotiation of section 106 agreements, in addition to planning applications and appeals. The ‘brilliant’ Salvatore Amico is particularly adept at assisting clients with enforcement notice procedures, biodiversity net gain requirements, and contentious planning matters.

Practice head(s):

Salvatore Amico


Testimonials

‘The planning team at Attwaters Jameson Hill is excellent. They are very knowledgeable and easy to work with.’

‘Salvatore Amico is a brilliant lawyer. He knows planning inside out and always has an eye for how to win a case.’

‘The team is very client-focused, especially regarding advice relating to the financial risks involved with litigation.’

Key clients

Three Rivers Council


Dacorum Council


Broxted Parish Council


Chalfont Parish Council


Work highlights


B P Collins LLP

B P Collins LLP houses a broad team which handles the full range of environmental issues, particularly in relation to corporate and property transactions. Practice head Alex Zachary has vast commercial knowledge, advising on M&A in the waste management and recycling sectors. Specialising in criminal matters, Jonathan Moss is a key name for clients undergoing investigations by the Environmental Agency. Alison Taylor and Craig Williams are core members of the team; Taylor focuses on property sales and acquisitions, while Williams regularly acts for environmental sector clients in a wide array of disputes.

Practice head(s):

Alex Zachary


Other key lawyers:

Craig Williams; Alison Taylor; David Smellie; Simon Carroll; Jonothan Moss


Testimonials

‘The practice is well integrated with excellent communication. They draw upon the knowledge of the whole network, which is needed in environmental matters that span so many disciplines.’

‘Jonothan Moss is knowledgeable in his subject area, and quickly grasps the significant issues to be resolved. He identifies pragmatic solutions, and deals with enforcement agencies in a diplomatic way to foster good working relationships.’

Key clients

Summerleaze Limited


Biffa Waste Services Ltd.


2K Polymer Systems Limited


P B Donoghue


Work highlights


  • Advising Summerleaze Limited on its sale of Andigestion Limited, a business which recycles food waste into green energy using an anaerobic digestion process, to Severn Trent Green Power Limited.

Broadfield Law UK LLP

Broadfield Law UK LLP houses a team of planning specialists that regularly advise on community infrastructure levy regulations, judicial review proceedings, and section 106 agreements. Heading the practice from Reading, Christina Daniels is a key name for mixed-use development schemes and routinely advises major national housebuilding companies. Chris Holmes is an integral member of the team, often assisting with highway matters and pre-acquisition planning due diligence.

Practice head(s):

Christina Daniels


Other key lawyers:

Chris Holmes


Testimonials

‘They are very knowledgeable. They are always keen to try and find a suitable solution to a problem. They are willing to respond at short notice.’

‘Christina Daniels is always keen to help. She responds quickly and finds solutions to the issues.’

‘Their communication is clear. They offer knowledgeable inputs you can trust. Christina Daniels and Chris Holmes are consistent.’

Key clients

East Suffolk Council


Highwood Group


CALA Group


Fairview Homes Limited


Bewley Homes PLC


Griggs Homes Limited


Stonebond Properties Limited


Ashill Land Limited


Trinity Homes Limited


Deanfield Homes Limited


Abode Homes Limited


Elivia Homes Limited


Countryside Properties Limited


Shanly Homes


Brookworth Homes Limite


JPP Land Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for a private individual in judicial review proceedings challenging the grant of two planning permissions.
  • Acted for CALA Homes in connection with an appealed planning application.
  • Acted for East Suffolk Council in connection with the delivery of new flood defences around Lowestoft Harbour, and an agreement the deployment of demountable flood defences where a storm event is predicted.

Clarke Willmott LLP

The planning team at Clarke Willmott LLP regularly assists its varied client base of commercial developers, local authorities, and housebuilding companies. Based in Southampton, Anne Jones is recommended for her broad knowledge of planning applications and appeals, highway agreements, and enforcement work. Jones works closely with Chris Charlton in Bristol, who is noted for his longstanding experience in acting for local authorities and commercial developers. The team is led by Neil Baker in Bristol.

Practice head(s):

Neil Baker


Other key lawyers:

Anne Jones; Chris Charlton; Marianne Barker


Testimonials

‘Anne Jones is very capable and highly committed to getting the right result for her client.’

‘Clarke Willmott simplifies the whole process. We are always able to reach someone within the same day who helps us to find the path to the answers we need.’

Key clients

Abri


Acorn Property Group


Aster Group


Clarion Housing Group


Createfuture Limited


Culvert Court Developments Limited


English Heritage


Isle of Wight Council


Metropolitan Housing Trust


New Forest District Council


Persimmon Homes South Coast


Thames Developments Limited


Vistry Group


Wembley Towers Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Countryside UK Properties Ltd on the terms of a section 106 agreement relating to the extension to South Woodham Ferrers in Essex.
  • Advising Wembley Towers Limited on planning in relation to the delivery of a 515 unit residential-led scheme.
  • Advising Createfuture Limited in relation to the negotiation and completion of the section 106 agreement with the London Borough of Ealing Council and the Greater London Authority in connection with a landmark residential building.

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP often acts for housebuilders and developers in mandates involving community infrastructure levy regulations, tree protection orders, section 106 agreements, and planning due diligence. Heading the team in Southampton, Tom Alder has considerable experience handling contentious planning matters. Matt Gilks is another key member of the team, who frequently advises on judicial reviews, compulsory purchase orders, and biodiversity net gain requirements.

Practice head(s):

Tom Alder


Other key lawyers:

Matt Gilks


Testimonials

‘The experience within the environment and planning team is second to none. They have an extensive knowledge of the public sector and its workings as well as the decision-making process for planning applications.’

‘Matt Gilks is a trusted advisor who has extensive experience across a range of sectors. He has established himself as one of the south coast’s leading planning lawyers.’

‘Matt Gilks has a can-do attitude and approach to his work. His experience, which includes planning enforcement, is very useful when assessing complex planning matters. I would highly recommend him.’

Key clients

McCarthy & Stone


Bargate Homes


C & G Properties


Captiva Homes


CHG Developments Limited


Big Yellow Self Storage


Dandara Southern


Dicentra Developments


Cavanna Homes


Harry Ferguson Farms


TA Fisher & Sons Limited


Parsons & Joyce


Havant Borough Council


Gentian Developments


Meyrick Estate Management


Work highlights


Brachers (Part of Lawfront)

Brachers (Part of Lawfront) regularly advises developers, local authorities, and landowners on planning and environmental matters, including planning disputes, breaches of planning enforcement notices, and tree preservation orders. Heading the practice in Kent, Lee May often represents clients at planning inquiries and hearings. May also counts town and country planning law and regulatory proceedings brought by the Environment Agency among her areas of expertise.

Practice head(s):

Lee May


Testimonials

‘They offer an excellent level of client care, and they have great administrative back-up.’

‘Lee May is very knowledgeable on planning and administrative law issues. She takes a pragmatic and client-centric approach at all times.’

Key clients

Guilderest Homes Ltd


Oliver Davis Homes Ltd


Windmill Construction Ltd


Plumpton College


Work highlights


  • Acted for a client in relation to their appeal against a refusal of planning permission for a development comprising a block of nine flats.
  • Acting for a high-quality housing developer to prepare a section 106 agreement to assist in securing planning permission for the erection of 81 houses and 4 blocks of flats.
  • Advising a client in their objection to the grant of planning permission for development on land adjoining their property.