Mills & Reeve LLP is highly regarded for its 'local knowledge and expertise, and prompt and clear advice' on complex planning matters and environmental law. The firm advises developers, strategic land owners, investors, funds, major corporates, and public sector bodies, among them Urban&Civic, Marshall Group Properties Ltd, and housebuilder Taylor Wimpey. In Cambridge, practice head Peter Seaborn specialises in the promotion of complex planning projects. Principal associate Caroline Bywater handles strategic planning matters, and senior associates Howard Felstead (residential), Hannah Edwards (planning and highways law), and Alex Round (strategic land) are also recommended. Consultant Beverley Firth plays a key role in residential development projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Local knowledge and expertise, providing prompt and clear advice.’
‘I have worked with Peter Seaborn on a number of occasions and found him to be able to simplify complex planning matters and respond to queries promptly.’
‘To find that balance between detail and strategy, one needs both to make good decisions and M&R can do that. They help with the big decisions, but get down into the weeds when needed.’
‘Peter Seaborn is a very thorough solicitor and brings confidence into any team.’
‘My experience of the M&R planning team is that they are incredibly responsive, clear and precise in their advice. Supporting us across a number of clients, they are our "go to" planning laywers, and always deliver.’
‘Peter Seaborn is our lead partner and given our relationship across a number of projects is readily available, and even if tied up with inquiries or similar, always ensures we get what we need. Other team members (Howard Felstead, Caroline Bywater) are able and help to ensure timely progress.'
'There is a very strong overlap between planning / property matters and the planning team are very well integrated with the commercial property team.'

Key clients

Urban&Civic
Marshall Group Properties Ltd
University of Cambridge
Trinity College Cambridge
Taylor Wimpey
Brookgate
O&H Group
Axis Land Partnerships Ltd
Railpen
Queens’ College, Cambridge

Work highlights

Advising Marshall on the major planning application for Marshall Aerospace’s proposed relocation from Cambridge Airport to Cranfield Airport.
Advising Brookgate on the planning appeal for Cambridge North, a major mixed use and high profile regeneration project adjacent to Cambridge North Station.
Advising Railpen on the major redevelopment of the Beehive Centre, a large retail park in Cambridge for a new local centre and community uses together with substantial office and R+D floorspace.