England - South East • Real estate
Holmes & Hills
Boasting ‘a broad skill set and extensive knowledge’, the planning team at Holmes & Hills routinely handles contentious issues and complex section 106 agreements. The group supports property, land and commercial premises owners affected by public infrastructure schemes, and advises local authorities on development consent orders. Steven Hopkins and Michael Harman head up the practice, with the former bringing in-depth expertise on judicial review claims and planning inquiries, and the latter handling planning appeals and compulsory purchase orders. Joanna Lilliott has vast experience of assisting local planning authorities and landowners, while senior associate Sarah Hare is a section 106 specialist.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘H&H has a very strong and well-rounded specialist team of property, development and planning legal experts. Consequently, the team offers the benefit of a wide range and comprehensive advice on such matters. Overall, they are the first choice legal team to select in the East of England for any planning, development or property work.’
‘Steven Hopkins has a very wide experience in law of property and town and country planning legislation. He responds very quickly to any enquiry that is referred to him and from my experience always provides sound and practicable advice.'
'Joanna Lilliott has a wide range of experience and expertise in a wide range of public law issues. She is always pragmatic and authoritative in negotiations and meetings.’
‘Michael Harman has an outstanding breadth of planning law knowledge and has worked on many projects for us helping to bring successful applications for our clients.’
‘Steven Hopkins - an extremely capable and likeable practitioner who commands respect. His advice is on point, practical and given with an appropriate leavening of humour. Michael Harman - approachable, understated, timely and thorough. Jo Lilliott - no one comes close to her in speed, efficiency, accuracy and straightforward down to earth solutions in section 106 negotiations.'
'Unbeatable Sarah Hare is quick, responsive, reliable.’
‘The team has a broad skill set and extensive knowledge on obvious and obscure legalities pertaining to planning. Experienced members of staff closely mentor junior members thereby providing the best level of service appertaining to the matter that you wish to receive advice or instruct on.'
‘Michael Harman is a dedicated solicitor who is prepared to burn the midnight oil. He is able to present a legal viewpoint with crystal clarity but also to explain the intricacies of a legal point in a simplified way for the client to understand. We are fortunate to have Sarah Hare work in tandem with Michael Harman on several matters.'
Key clients
- Braintree District Council
- Colchester Borough Council
- Harlow District Council
- Babergh Mid Suffolk District Council
- Rochford District Council
- Andrew Martin Planning
- Aspire Luxury Homes Limited
- Chelmsford Cars & Commercials Limited
- Colchester United Hospitality Limited
- Fristling Hall Farm Limited
- George Tanner (Shalford) Limited
- Hadleigh Bakery Limited
- Hills Residential Limited
- Humphreys & Sons
- Lansbury Developments Limited
- Parker Planning Services Ltd
- Phase 2 Planning & Development Limited
- Rose Builders Limited
- Smart Planning Limited
- Trustees of Marks Hall Estate
- Wickford Development Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Colchester City Council on various section 106 planning obligations.
- Advised on numerous blight and discretionary purchase applications since the summer of 2020 regarding the development consent order to undertake improvement works to the A12 and A120 roadways.
- Acted for a local authority in a judicial review of the local planning authority’s decision to refuse to grant planning permission following its original resolution to grant.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Steven Hopkins, Michael Harman