Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Katie is a Senior Associate in the Planning and Infrastructure Consenting team advising on contentious and non-contentious planning and highways matters. She primarily advises on infrastructure projects and provides strategic advice and practical solutions at all stages of the consenting process.

Katie has extensive experience in environmental impact assessment matters, including reviewing and commenting on environmental statements and responding to complex technical issues arising during the process.

Katie also leads on common land matters and advises on a variety of issues arising from development on or in the vicinity of common land and town and village greens as well as other land subject to development constraints.

Track record

Working on the submission of a Transport and Works Act Order application for a significant infrastructure improvement scheme in the north of England, including advising on the environmental statement and key issues arising from the assessment of scheme effects. Providing specialist advice on the implementation of a Transport and Works Act Order including advising on land acquisition strategy and negotiating compulsory purchase compensation, including temporary possession claims. Negotiating infrastructure agreements with statutory undertakers and affected parties on compulsory purchase orders for the proposed £4.5 billion redevelopment of Brent Cross shopping centre and comprehensive regeneration of Cricklewood to revitalise a significant area of North London. Advising on a high court claim pursuant to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 including subsequent appeal to the Court of the Appeal. Undertaking due diligence on finance and corporate transactions including offshore and onshore wind farms. She provides technical advice and engages with the commercial context of the transaction and has provided strategic advice on marine licence variations and pre-construction requirements as part of such transactions. Advising on a £144 million property portfolio financing and ensuring that all documentation was bankable, including providing solutions to resolve any issues in the finance documentation. Advising RWE on obtaining consents under the Commons Act 2006 to secure the development of a 16 wind turbine (48MW) scheme, including the subsequent inquiry. The multimillion pound scheme is located wholly on common land, which is heavily constrained in terms of development and required a number of commons consents before construction could commence.

Part of the core team on the development of the proposal for England’s largest onshore wind farm which initially proceeded as an extension under the DCO regime, including leading on the common land applications and strategy.

Senior Associate