The planning team at BDB Pitmans continues to consolidate its reputation in the infrastructure sector, thanks to its ‘great strength in depth in the field of infrastructure planning’. The firm handles significant infrastructure projects in a range of areas, including road, rail, and air, dealing with DCOs and orders under the Transport and Works Act and the Harbours Act. Mark Challis heads the planning team, leading major projects for National Highways alongside Angus Walker. With its established preeminence in DCOs, the group is expanding its energy practice, participating in projects involving solar, hydrogen, and offshore wind. Richard Marsh leads the energy DCO practice within the team. The group’s continued development is reflected in its growing client list; the firm secured new clients in the area of over-station development and won a significant DCO promotion for East West Rail, led by Duncan O’Connor. Other prominent figures in the team include Sarak Clark, who is leading on significant flood prevention schemes, and Tom Henderson, who led the team on its involvement in the Lower Thames Crossing. Mustafa Latif-Aramesh, who is praised for his ’encyclopaedic knowledge and case law’, was elevated to partner in July 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The BDBP team have great strength in depth in the field of infrastructure planning. It is a very knowledge-led team and produces an outstanding infrastructure planning law blog for clients and others. This means that it is always completely up to date with all the latest developments in the field, which it uses to its clients' benefit.’
‘Angus Walker is a high-profile and very experienced infrastructure planning solicitor. Tom Henderson is a really smart young partner who is definitely going places.'
‘The team has a leading position in infrastructure planning with a wealth of experience held by members of the team.’
'Mark Challis is a reassuring presence in any case. Sarah Clark is very clear-minded and calm. Tom Henderson is excellent at driving a project through. Mustafa Latif-Aramesh has a great eye for detail. Angus Walker has an encyclopaedic knowledge of infrastructure planning.’
‘There is nothing BDBP doesn't know about the planning and legal issues for major infrastructure. It has an eye on future trends and constantly contributes to consultations to ensure we have an effective and fair infrastructure regime.'
'It gives expert advise on how to deliver your project, but also has the foresight on how the regime is changing to ensure flexibility is embedded to minimise change later on.’
'Mustafa Latif-Aramesh's mastermind topic would be legal and planning matters. He is an encyclopaedia of knowledge and case law that he practically applies to his work. He works calmly with all project team members to help them understand the legal issues of the work, so they have sufficient information for making decisions. I would want Mustafa by my side on any project I work on.'
'Tom Henderson is always the expert in the room who can work under pressure to ensure success. He has passion on the projects he works on and he is not afraid of conflict where needed and will constantly challenge the client and others on the why to ensure success.’

Key clients

National Highways
London Luton Airport Operations Limited
The Environment Agency
Alternative Use Boston Projects Limited
RiverOak Strategic Partners Limited
East Suffolk Council
South Tees Development Corporation
London Borough of Lambeth
Transport for London
DFDS
Green GEN Cymru
East West Railway Limited
Northumberland County Council

Work highlights

Advising National Highways on the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, a project that is the largest investment in the road network since the M25 and that will be the subject of a major DCO examination in 2023.
Advising London Luton Airport Ltd. on a proposed expansion of the airport, a large project that will be the subject of a major DCO examination in 2023.
Advising on environmental flood defence schemes, including advising East Suffol Counsel on a forthcoming transport and works application for a major flood defence scheme in Lowestoft, East Sussex.