Cleaver Fulton Rankin fields a team of wide expertise in the environmental and planning areas, with a particular emphasis on judicial reviews. The practice continues to work for Dalradian Gold Limited on its multibillion value mining prospecting licensing matters. Karen Blair, director of the practice, co-leads the Dalradian Gold Limited matter with Brendan Martyn. Blair also advises on various infrastructure planning permissions, spanning aviation, hospitality, amongst other industries. Meanwhile, Martyn is a key contact for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on a variety of planning applications and litigation work. On the associate level, Stephen Masterson provides support on various work for local councils.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Cleaver Fulton Rankin's planning team have a great depth and breath of knowledge. They are proactive, able and focused. ’

  • ‘The stand-out partner I work with is Brendan Martyn. He is approachable and knowledgeable and is a great communicator. Matters get attended to efficiently and with the minimum of fuss.’

  • ‘Karen Blair and Brendam Martyn both have such dedication and such a knowledge of their sector. They also have a very calming nature that can easily eradicate worries. Neither look at the clock and as a client you never feel rushed.’

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Key clients

  • Dalradian Gold Limited
  • Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
  • Belfast City Airport
  • Assured Energy LLP
  • Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
  • Invest Northern Ireland
  • C & V Developments Limited
  • LDS Devco Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Dalradian Gold Limited on all consenting and operational aspects of its proposed gold mine development in Co Tyrone, representing an investment to date of over £160 million.
  • Advising and representing Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in relation to the independent examination of its Local Development Plan before the Planning Appeals Commission and ultimately securing adoption in September 2023, being only the third Council in Northern Ireland to do so.
  • Advising Assured Energy LLP in relation two highly controversial anaerobic digestion sites which have attracted enforcement notices and abatement notices from two local councils – all of which have been appealed to the Planning Appeals Commission and the Courts.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Karen Blair

Other key lawyers

Brendan Martyn, Stephen Masterson