Fiona Barker
Mills & Reeve LLPMills & Reeve LLP‘s ’brilliant’ planning and environment practice in Manchester is well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of planning matters, from compulsory purchase agreements to section 106 agreement planning applications and appeals. Melanie Grimshaw is well-known for advising on the promotion of regeneration projects. The team was bolstered by the arrival of Fiona Barker from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in February 2024 and Robert Biddlecombe in November 2024, while former co-head of the practice Claire Gregory left the group in January 2024, and Keith Davidson departed in October 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We found them to be professional, extremely knowledgeable and valued their guidance and advice on our position. They met all deadlines and helped us form a brilliant team of advisers keeping in regular contact so we always knew what was happening and when.’
‘The team were brilliant. I think what makes the individuals stand out is their straightforward and approachable attitude and their dedication to ensuring we were able to put forward the best case possible. They were extremely professional and kept in regular touch with us and updated us at all key points of our case.’
‘Responsiveness and quality of advice.’
‘Alex Round provides direct and clear advice on complex planning and highways matters.’
‘The approachability of this team sets it apart from other firms. The lawyers are friendly and easy to deal whilst also being excellent lawyers.’
‘Melanie Grimshaw is able to grasp the issue at hand every quickly is also responsive.’
Key clients
- Client of LaSalle Investment Management
- Wain Estates (Carrington) Limited
- Bruntwood
- Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
- AR Stockton & Co (Property) Limited
- Applethwaite Homes
- Oxford Preservation Trust
- Wain Homes
Work highlights
- Advised the client of LaSalle Investment Management, the owner of an iconic and high-profile investment property located at Piccadilly that was specially and directly affected by the now defunct High Speed 2 Phase 2b Bill.
- Advising Wain Estates (Carrington) Ltd in relation to the redevelopment of the former Shell petrochemical works at Carrington into a new district centre in Trafford.
- Acting for Bruntwood on the property aspects of its transfer of assets valued in excess of £600m to Bruntwood SciTech and £500m of equity investment from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Melanie Grimshaw
Mills & Reeve LLP