The firm-wide planning, highways and environment practice at HCR Hewitsons, which is led from Worcester by Rosalind Andrews, is frequently involved in large-scale development projects, including residential and mixed-use sustainable urban expansions, acting for national and regional developers,. It also advises farmers, investment owners and landed estates on new projects, the compulsory acquisition of land and compensation, and High Court matters. Partner Gemma Dudley and senior associate Brendon Lee are the main contacts in Cambridge. 'Professional, knowledgeable, caring', notes one client.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Having used practice services across numerous legal areas (including conveyancing, corporate business sale, corporate business purchase, local planning, employment matters et al), the team members are consistently highly knowledgeable, professional and effective. Every engagement with the team has resulted in a successful outcome.'
- 'The key common individual strengths and characteristics of the team that differentiate them from their competition include: highly ethical and values driven; excellent empathetic understanding, listening skills and insight; true genuineness and congruence; and a natural culture of respect and unconditional positive regard.'
‘The individuals at HCR are all great but if I have to pick, Brendon Lee of the Cambridge office has been outstanding in his support and service to our community. His knowledge of the law is very good, he is honest and will pass us to a colleague if he feels it is best for us but is always on hand if we need further support and guidance. Brendon is a team player with a focus on his client's needs. You cannot ask for more than this.’
‘Very client-focused. I have only done claimant work with them, but have found them to have the rare gift of being able to balance bringing a case and the client's interests with the commercial and practical realities of litigation. I consider HCR notable in being able to promote their clients interests fairly and appropriately.’
‘Brendon Lee is extremely knowledgeable on the law. Understands a wide range of causes of action and how they can apply to a given case. He's very good at working towards the best outcome for a client. I also find him very personable, and know him to be extremely hard working. He is one of my top recommendations for potential claimants who want a solicitor who will best represent their interests, especially where there may be litigation required.'
‘Excellent all round. Understand developers needs and perspective and give well researched, practical, clear and insightful legal advice. Work is always to a very high standard and within deadlines. Excellent value for money – market leading advice without market leading rates.’
‘Gemma Dudley. Exceptional planning lawyer. Excellent in-depth knowledge of legislation, case law, its implications and practical application. Clear, thoughtful advice which delivers practical solutions to complex issues. Advice is always presented logically and clearly. Quick to grasp the issues and always sees the bigger picture. First class, always first choice.’
‘We have used Brendon Lee for a few years now and his knowledge and professionalism is second to none, He is friendly and approachable. He understands what I am trying to achieve and goes above and beyond to make it succeed.'
Key clients
- The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- Hill Residential Limited
- Cambridge Investment Partnership LLP
- United Learning Limited
- Rushmoor Development Partnership LLP
- Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
- The Greensand Trust
- Great Oakley Farms Limited
- Easton Parish Council
Work highlights
- Acting for the Rushmoor Development Partnership LLP in the negotiation of a s106 Agreement for the redevelopment of Farnborough Civic Quarter for a mixed-use development, including up to 960 residential units (Use Class C3) and mixed used non-residential floorspace.
- Advising the Conservators of the River Cam on the impact of Anglian Water’s proposed relocation of its waste water treatment plant in Cambridge which discharges into the River Cam. The project is a national significant infrastructure project (NSIP) requiring a development consent order (DCO) which is currently being heard by the Examining Authority.
- Acting for 2DS Property Development Ltd on a judicial review of the lawfulness of liability notices issued by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in relation to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). It involves untested points of law on the liability and calculation of CIL in the context of withdrawn notices and s73 permissions.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rosalind Andrews