Planning specialist Melanie Grimshaw co-heads the Manchester-based cohort at Mills & Reeve LLP alongside expert in the field Claire Gregory. The team has capabilities advising its array of clients, from corporates to nationally known developers, on a broad scope of matters, with a growing focus on contentious environmental and energy work, including advising on criminal regulatory proceedings, and prosecutions. A standout matter in this regard is the team’s representation of New Earth Solutions on the cross-jurisdictional High Court case concerning waste recovery. Consultant and ‘leading player’ Keith Davidson has expertise in environmental law, notably sitting on the Contaminated Land panel for the CIWEM.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Though an international firm, Mills & Reeve still provide and personal touch in that they are attentive, listen to the issues at hand and, to date, have always come up with a solution that works for both parties. Their wealth of knowledge and experience across sectors makes them stand out from other firms.’
‘Melanie Grimshaw is the first person I go to when an issue arises or when I need a discussion about the best approach to take. She consciously takes the time to understand the problems before coming back with advice. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.’
‘Keith Davidson is market-leading in the negotiation of indemnities associated with contaminated land liability.’
‘The team is an increasingly significant player in environmental law with particular expertise in agriculture, contaminated land and climate change.’
‘Keith Davidson has strong commercial acumen and is a leading player in the environmental law space. He recognises client perspectives on climate change and ably assists customers in commercialising opportunities.’
'Mills & Reeve support client needs but also ensure their team fully understand our business and projects. They have excellent planning, property and construction teams, are predominantly based outside of London and have excellent experience working with key stakeholders such as local authorities and housebuilders.'
'The team provides city of London law firm expertise from a regional cost base. They are exceptionally hardworking, personable and invest considerable time in understanding our business and helping us structure transactions/documents to meet our specific business needs. You never feel like you are getting something off the shelf.'
'The team ensures that they internalise knowledge transfer between teams such that projects progress seamlessly from acquisition to planning, through construction and on into plot sales. This reduces both cost and risk. The team has good lawyer retention which allows for the building of strong and lasting relationships and corporate knowledge.'

Key clients

Client of LaSalle Investment Management
Wain Estates (Carrington) Limited
Trafford Bruntwood LLP
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
AR Stockton & Co (Property) Limited
Applethwaite Homes (part of the Eric Wright Group)
University of Cambridge
Beauparc Group (New Earth Solutions West Ltd)
Befesa Salt Slags Ltd
Enva
DB Symmetry
Leep Utilities
CVC Capital Partners
Marshall Group Properties

Work highlights

Advised University of Cambridge in its capacity as a registered statutory objector to Network Rail’s Transport and Works Act Order application for the proposed (Cambridge South Infrastructure Enhancements) Order to authorise the proposed new Cambridge South Station.
Advised WAIN Estates (Carrington) Ltd, providing strategic planning and environmental advice in relation to the redevelopment of the 1,665-acre former Shell petrochemical works at Carrington into a new district centre in Trafford.
Represented New Earth in the High Court in a judicial review of the Environment Agency’s decision to withdraw consent for the export of ‘air pollution control residue’ or fly ash to Norway for treatment on the island of Langøya, in the Holmestrand Fjord.