The ‘extremely capable’ team at Davidson Chalmers Stewart is spearheaded by director Jacqueline Cook, a noted planning specialist in residential, mixed-use, and renewable energy projects. Serving a varied client base of developers, public bodies, and funders, the department handles a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious issues such as planning consents, statutory agreements, and appeals.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very easy to deal with. Very friendly approach.’

  • ‘The team is extremely capable and knowledgeable of all aspects. DCS Legal were very prepared to go the extra mile to support us.’

  • 'We were successful in winning our case and were delighted with the professionalism and tenacity that DCS Legal demonstrated.’

  • ‘Davidson Chalmers Stewart are friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and are as comfortable dealing with small instructions as they are with larger deals. Their approach is consistent across deal size.’

  • ‘Jacqueline Cook delivers through planning advice in a personable way, enabling swift decision-making.'

Key clients

  • Peel NRE
  • Tartan Leisure Ltd
  • Chris Stewart Group
  • WKN GmbH
  • Balhousie Care Group
  • JW Muir Group PLC (incl Muir Homes Ltd, Hermiston Securities Ltd)
  • Lochay Homes Ltd
  • The Association of Scottish Self-Caterers
  • RT Overseas Settlement
  • Seamab – Children’s Charity

Work highlights

  • Advised The Peel Group's Energy division on all renewable energy projects in Scotland, including negotiating contracts to satisfy pre-commencement planning conditions and the sale of consented facilities to Statkraft.
  • Advised a London-based developer on its £200 million regeneration project, negotiating a Section 75 planning obligations agreement for £1.9 million in developer contributions.
  • Advised Tartan Leisure on its development of Scotland’s first artificial, inland surfing lagoon.

Lawyers

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.

Jacqueline Cook

Other key lawyers

Caroline Court