Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s experienced planning team is co-led by Tim Hellier, who has over 28 years’ experience in planning, compulsory purchase matters, and environmental law. The firm handles large-scale development schemes across the UK; James Good advises a range of clients, from central government and local authorities to public and private companies, on their development projects. Tim Smith strengthens the team’s international reach, advising clients in England, Wales, and overseas on all aspects of complex regeneration schemes. The team has a ‘first-class’ infrastructure practice and handles major projects, which is a particular area of strength for James Parker. Giles Pink boasts expertise in the promotion of large retail, residential, and mixed-use schemes, as well as on commercial development projects in Central London. The group is involved in significant energy projects; practice co-head Christian Drage ‘stands out' as a key practitioner for promoters of energy and transport infrastructure, and the team is handling DCOs for high-profile clients, such as National Grid. The practice is also at the forefront of data centre, battery storage, and small nuclear power station projects. Senior associate Emma Perring leads a significant proportion of the team’s contentious work, with particular experience in judicial reviews, environmental assessments, and CPO compensation mandates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Really lovely, professional, and approachable staff who know their stuff inside out and are willing to listen, debate, and formulate solutions for their clients, taking due consideration of all factors. The advice provided is always sensible and pragmatic.’
‘Approachable, friendly, willing to listen, and collaborative. I have always been presented with a 'no boundaries or hierarchy' type of approach.’
‘The BCLP planning team have a breadth of experience in their field. The advice they provide is delivered with confidence and gives you the comfort of knowing that whatever situation you are trying to resolve, they have been there before and know how to navigate their way through it.’
‘The individuals in the team are very approachable and user friendly, and they give you clear advice on what is required. They present you with considered options and a clear recommendation. In particular, Christian Drage stands out and has been a wealth of knowledge and of great support as we navigated our way through a planning process with a difficult local authority.’
‘The BCLP legal team is very well led and motivated. Exceptional quality and experience, especially from the more senior members of the legal team, with high-calibre juniors in support. The team are very easy to work with; it feels like a partnership and not at all stuffy or superior.’
‘Christian Drage is exceptional in his no frills, practical approach to problem solving and advice, using his many years of experience to the benefit of the client. He provides a high-level of confidence and clarity of advice in response to often daunting and complex situations. Christian is very likeable and a real pleasure to work with.’
‘The planning team at BCLP are first class and leaders in the industry, which is why they have been appointed on complex linear infrastructure projects. The strength and depth of the team’s expertise and ability to simplify complex planning issues is exceptional. They are absolute trusted advisors and a safe pair of hands.’
‘Christian Drage, James Parker, James Good, and Giles Pink all make up an exceptional team.’

Key clients

Lendlease Euston
National Grid
Landsec
URW
Precis Holdings
Tenacity
C.GEN Killingholme
Deliveroo
Crosstree
Derwent London

Work highlights

Advising Lendlease on a 60-acre transformation of an area that aims to reconnect neighbourhoods that have, to date, been divided by the station and its tracks.
Advising National Grid on various matters, including complex linear network reinforcement and connection projects such as East Anglia Green, Snowdonia VIP, and London Power Tunnels 2.

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