Praised for its ‘strong project management capabilities’, Davitt Jones Bould is often engaged in development consent orders, infrastructure agreements, and planning inquiries. Peter Allinson and Madeleine Davitt jointly lead the practice, while the ’talented and hard working’ Stephanie Hall is experienced in compulsory purchase orders and highway developments. Yohanna Weber is highly proficient in infrastructure and energy developments, while Nigel Hewitson focuses on public inquiries.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They are approachable, responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable about planning.'
  • ‘They have sound knowledge, are good negotiators, and have the ability to devise innovative solutions.’
  • ‘A solid team with excellent insight, clear views on strategy and tactics, as well as strong project management capabilities.’
  • ‘Good value for high quality work.'
  • ‘Stephanie Hall is meticulous in her work. We would have no hesitation in recommending DJB to others.’
  • ‘I worked recently with Stephanie Hall on a land compensation case. She excelled, providing clear and value-adding advice on the interpretation and application of law and procedure.'
  • ‘Stephanie Hall is talented and hard working.'
  • ‘We work with Nigel Hewitson and Stephanie Hall, their collaborative working is valued as is sound advice and innovative thinking.’

Key clients

  • National Highways
  • Surrey County Council
  • North Somerset Council
  • New Forest District Council
  • Bath and North East Somerset Council
  • Wiltshire Council
  • Natural England
  • Woking Borough Council
  • The Royal Parks
  • Woking Borough Council
  • Brighton and Hove City Council
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Office for National Statistics
  • Runnymede Borough Council
  • UK Health Security Agency
  • Exeter Science Park
  • Department of Health and Social Care

Work highlights

  • Advised North Somerset Council on a 36-day public inquiry relating to the expansion of Bristol Airport.
  • Advised multiple local authorities on their implementation of mandatory biodiversity net gain laws which came into force in early 2024.
  • Advised Surrey County Council on the expansion of the Shepperton Film Studio, which will become the second largest film studio in the world.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Peter Allinson, Madeleine Davitt

Other key lawyers

Stephanie Hall, Yohanna Weber, Nigel Hewitson