Francesca Hodgson
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLPLocal authorities and public bodies regularly seek the council of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s planning and environment team, which works closely with the firm’s litigation and regulatory departments to act on major infrastructure developments, planning applications, and enforcement issues. Stephen Dagg heads up the Newcastle offering, handling general planning advice, with an emphasis on highways and compulsory purchase issues. Another key name here is Rachel Sykes, who is recommended for defending judicial review claims, while Francesca Hodgson attracts significant praise for her ’extensive and unparalleled‘ expertise across regulatory and compliance issues in the environmental space.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Stephen Dagg is extremely knowledgeable, with second-to-none expertise in relation to highway, railway and transport-related matters. He is justifiably highly regarded in the market and his attention to detail is exceptional. He combines extensive knowledge with a commercial perspective, providing practical and pragmatic advice, and knows how to get results for his clients.
- 'All members of the team have high levels of expertise. They consistently provide an excellent and efficient service combined with a very personable approach. They are aware of the market and commercial implications, and give practical and strategic advice in that context.'
- 'The team is professional and approachable with a good knowledge base and access to expertise.'
- 'The team is very approachable and knowledgeable with a good grasp on the procedural aspects of the casework.'
- 'Francesca Hodgson is very well respected by all individuals in the industry.'
- 'Francesca Hodgson provides an outstanding service. From the very first interaction, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, patience, and a genuine willingness to go above and beyond to assist with my legal matters. Her knowledge is extensive and unparalleled. Francesca's expertise has been invaluable in navigating even the most complex legal issues, and her commitment to excellence truly sets her apart. I am continuously impressed by her dedication to accommodating my needs and the way she effortlessly tackles even the most obscure problems. I'm grateful for her support and for consistently exceeding my expectations. It is truly a pleasure to work with Francesca.'
- 'Womble Bond Dickinson provide an outstanding service. From the very first interaction, the team has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, patience, and a genuine willingness to go above and beyond to assist with my legal matters. Their knowledge is extensive and unparalleled. Their expertise has been invaluable in navigating even the most complex legal issues, and their commitment to excellence truly sets them apart. I am continuously impressed by their dedication to accommodating my needs and the way they effortlessly tackle even the most obscure problems. I'm grateful for their unwavering support and for consistently exceeding my expectations. It is truly a pleasure to work with such an exceptional firm.'
Key clients
- Bellway Homes Limited
- National Highways Limited
- Hearthstone Investment Management
- Solar 21 Renewable Energy Limited
- Augean PLC
- Department for Education
- Rentplus UK Limited
- SABIC UK Petrochemicals Limited
- Huntsman Polyurethanes (UK) Limited
- Northern Powergrid
- Aurorium UK Limited (Formerly Vertellus Specialities UK)
Work highlights
- Advised National Highways in relation to the examination for the A12 development consent order, to improve a 16 mile stretch of the A12 between Chelmsford and the A120, costing circa £1.2bn.
- Advised National Highways in relation to an application for the A46 development consent order, to dual and improve a four mile stretch of A46 at Newark, costing circa £500m.
- Advising Rentplus on its nationwide rollout of a new model for providing affordable housing without any public grant subsidy, by providing planning advice and negotiating relevant clauses into Section 106 Agreements.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Stephen Dagg
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Stephen Dagg