The planning practice at CMS handles both development planning and energy and infrastructure consenting. The team is led by ‘exceptional partner’ Ashley Damiral, who took over the role as head of UK planning in October 2022 and advises on regeneration schemes, logistics projects, and data centres. Led by Robin Hutchison, the group’s energy practice handles a significant number of DCOs acting for the promoter, and Robert Garden acts on significant energy and infrastructure projects. Residential development is still a key area of focus, and the firm has noted an increase in sub-sectors of residential development, such as student accommodation, senior living, and co-living – a particular area of expertise for Joshua Risso-Gill. The practice has a national and international reach, with pan-European portfolio deals being an area of strength. The team grew in 2022, following Stephen McNaught’s retirement in April, taking on Shabana Anwar from BDB Pitmans in September, as well as David Hardy in August, an ‘impressive recent recruit’ who has strengthened the group’s advocacy capability.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Well-rounded and detailed team with considerable experience across a number of development sites and well-tuned to policy.'
- 'Attention to detail, responsiveness and commercial acumen all rank highly when considering the individuals.'
Key clients
- All England Tennis Club
- Quintain
Work highlights
- Advised the All England Lawn Tennis Ground Plc on all planning and highways matters in connection with its proposal to expand the club to deliver a new stadium, a large number of new grass courts, and an array of public benefits.
- Advised Quintain on Wembley Park which is a strategic regeneration of over 1.4 million sq. ft. surrounding Wembley Stadium, including scheme amendments, planning obligations, CIL, and highways matters.