Eversheds Sutherland

James is an associate in the national planning team specialising in planning and environmental law.

He has particular experience advising developers on large urban regeneration projects and strategic residential development proposals and is responsible for the negotiation and drafting of associated planning agreements. His recent experience includes drafting the S106 agreement in connection with an application for a 750 unit housing and mixed use development in Staffordshire and advising Transport for London on a S106 agreement relating to an outline consent for the expansion of a major retail development in West London. James is also part of a team of lawyers who have been instructed by DFT/ HS2 Ltd to advise on the completion of agreements and undertakings in connection with the promotion of the hybrid Bill to authorise phase 1 of HS2 between London and Birmingham.

James regularly advises developers on large renewable energy projects in both the onshore and offshore environment. His recent experience includes advising on the consenting framework for the Greenwire project; a project of common interest aimed at transmitting 3GW of onshore wind power in Ireland to the UK National Grid, landing purpose built subsea cables in Wales. His advice covered the planning and EIA requirements in the UK and the implications of emerging European Regulations on trans-European energy infrastructure. James has also recently been instructed to support Marcus Trinick QC in advising DONG Energy on post-consent issues associated with the Race Bank project.

James regularly conducts planning due diligence relating to the disposal of commercial assets across the energy, housing and retails sectors. His recent experience includes advising one of Europe’s largest renewable energy operators on the disposal of two wind farms in Scotland with a combined generating capacity of over 100MW.

James has experience in a range of planning issues including development planning, EIA, planning obligations, planning appeals and compulsory purchase.

Associate