Scott’s varied practice encompasses all aspects of planning both at inquiries and examinations and in the Higher Courts. He has particular expertise in providing strategic and detailed technical advice to guide large-scale and complex development proposals through the consent process, as well as preparing for and appearing at major planning inquiries and examinations.
Throughout his career he has been rated highly in professional directories. He was nominated for Chambers and Partners; Planning Junior of the Year in 2016. Chambers and Partners (2024) say he is “well respected by the client. They trust him with the detail of a complex case”; he is “meticulous, extremely popular with clients and very reassuring. He was described (2023) as "savvy and tenacious”; “his appeal work is pragmatic and highly effective;" “his energy levels and commitment are off the scales. He leaves nothing to chance;" "He is thorough, self-sufficient, client-focused…”. The Legal 500 (2024) say that: “Scott is extremely user-friendly and approachable. He is impressive on his feet with a brilliant advocacy style. He is well-liked by clients, with a calming manner which is a key strength. He will always go above and beyond what is required, meaning he will always get stuck in. He is a genuine pleasure to work alongside”.
Scott’s practice covers major infrastructure and energy-related proposals, including cases covered by the NSIP regime. His work has covered a range of developments including railways, nuclear power stations, gas storage facilities, onshore and offshore wind farms and solar arrays.
His substantial and varied housing experience includes advice on housing need and supply, as well as the wide range of issues commonly associated with residential proposals, including affordable housing and viability. He appears regularly for both housebuilders and local authorities at planning inquiries.
His extensive regeneration experience has included public inquiries into city centre regeneration schemes, often involving issues relating to compulsory purchase, residential and retail development, office and employment floorspace, listed buildings and conservation areas, section 106 obligations and detailed technical issues relating to noise, air quality and transport.
He has considerable expertise of cases involving tall building proposals, particularly in London, which often raise heritage issues.
He has significant experience in promoting and objecting to development plans at examination stage, and in advising on emerging policy.
He advises and acts frequently on environmental issues including EIA and habitats.
Notable cases Scott has been instructed on include:
• Appearing for Historic England at the public inquiry to oppose the “Tulip” (Foster & Partners), a 305m tall visitor attraction in the City near the Tower of London World Heritage Site.
• Acting for Highways England in relation to their proposals for a 10-mile dual carriageway and new junctions on the A428 between Black Cat and Caxton Gibbett.
• Representing the University of Cambridge in connection with proposals for a new station to serve the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
• Appearing for York City Council at the examination into its Local Plan.
• Appearing at public inquiry to promote a scheme for Market Square, Basildon, involving 492 build-to-rent properties in mixed use development up to 17 storeys.
• Advising Gatwick airport on proposals to reposition its northern runway to allow dual runway operations.
• Advising petitioners on the HS2 Phase 2b: High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill 2022.
He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in November 1996 and to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2005. He is Chair of Chambers’ Pupillage Committee.
• Graduated in law as a Marvell Prize winner from Hull University in 1995
Memberships
• Planning and Environment Bar Association
• United Kingdom Environmental Law Association
Publications
• Changes to Schemes
• The Boundary between the 1990 and 2008 Acts
• 2018 Case Law Update
• Statements of Community Involvement
• The Revised NPPF - Local Plans
• Legal Challenges to Plans
• The New EIA Directive