The planning team at Burges Salmon LLP handles a large number of NSIPs across various sectors, including rail, highways, and pipelines, with Elizabeth Dunn taking a lead role in the consenting of these schemes. The practice handles a range of energy projects, and solar is a particular growth area for the team; Julian Boswall has significant experience in both energy and transport projects and ‘brilliant’ senior associate Jen Ashwell advises on the consenting of local authority-led transport and regeneration schemes. Practice head Gary Soloman takes a lead role in the team’s increasing CPO work as an expert in the planning, compulsory purchase, and compensation aspects of regeneration projects, large-scale developments, and highway proposals. Alex Minhinick, also an expert on CPO compensation matters, was promoted to partner in May 2023.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Jen Ashwell is a brilliant associate, one of the best team leaders I have worked with, a skilful lawyer and skillful motivator.’
‘Gary Soloman is an excellent team leader, wise and very bright. Cathryn Tracey has a sharp mind with very good judgement.'
'Jen Ashwell is superbly efficient. Daniel Whittle demonstrates very clear thinking.’
‘The individuals that we have worked with have been in place for over 10 years which provides both continuity as well as a mutual understanding of needs, building trust and respect. This includes Gary Solomon and Paula McGeady.’
‘Alex Minhinick's clear, calm advice has been essential to managing the risks and meeting procedural requirements. He provides an actual, measured answer which is implementable and makes decision making as a client far easier. Alex knows his industry and is always at the forefront of networks and knowledge.'
‘Elizabeth Dunn is very responsive and is also helpful. She works collaboratively with her clients to find pragmatic and sensible resolutions to any issues that are identified. Liz is also proactive with advice.'
- 'Julian Boswall's profile within the industry is particularly high as he chairs the Renewables UK Offshore Consents and Licensing Group. This means that he is very up to speed on all issues that affect the wider industry, and he is well connected and knows who to talk to about various issues.’
‘Elizabeth Dunn and Cathryn Tracey are the standout team members for us. In both cases their calm confidence is backed by genuine expertise.’
Key clients
- Isle of Anglesey County Council
- Environment Agency
- Historic England
- National Trust
- Department for Transport
- National Highways
- YTL Property Holdings
- Stratford-on-Avon District Council
- Skanska
- Torbay Council
- Progressive Energy Limited
- North Somerset Council
- TfL/GLA
- Bute Energy
- Equinor
- Drax
- RWE Renewables
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- South Hams District Council
Work highlights
- Advising GLA on the development of the Gallions Quarter site located between the Royal Docks and River Thames near Beckton, leading on all aspects of planning, highways and CPO advice.
- Advising the Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit on making its decisions on Transport and Works Act Orders and non-National Highways DCO applications.
- Advising Equinor New Energy Limited on the application for an order to grant development consent to construct, operate, maintain, and decommission two offshore wind farms known as the Sheringham Shoal Extension Project and the Dudgeon Extension Project.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gary Soloman