Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

The Newcastle-based planning team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP frequently works with offices across the UK - particularly in Leeds and Bristol - on development consent orders in the transport, energy, waste management, and residential development spaces. Legal director Stephen Dagg is a specialist in transportation projects, regularly providing guidance on highway, public rights of way, and traffic regulation law. Kate Ashworth routinely assists clients with development consent orders on a nationwide scale, while Rachel Sykes advises on a broad range of planning issues in relation to public inquiries - both in respect of planning appeals and compulsory purchase orders. Umi Filby is also noted for providing support on national projects. In the environment team, legal director Francesca Hodgson - who works closely with the firm's environment team in Leeds - is a key contact for clients seeking guidance on contentious issues, such as breach of environment permit conditions.