The environment and planning team at DMH Stallard LLP has vast expertise in advising clients on all aspects of housing development schemes and section 106 agreements, with a strong focus on judicial and statutory reviews. 'Star of the planning law world' Heidi Copland leads the group, bringing over 25 years’ experience in delivering complex development and regeneration projects both for public and private sector clients. Chloe Karamian regularly handles enforcement notice appeals and CIL reviews. Peter Rainier specialises in assisting developers and landowners in the commercial and leisure industries, while associate Daniel Frisby focuses on environmental assessments. The department operates out of the Gatwick office.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The ability to turn matters around professionally, adding value and expertise, has been exceptional. All team members are able to deliver a professional and high-quality product in a timely manner, clearly explaining relevant technical matters to us as clients.'
‘Heidi Copland has been a godsend. So approachable, professional and knowledgeable with her planning advice. She has been our rock to what is a stressful planning process. Heidi has the ability to be caring to the client's needs, calmly dealing with any planning problem raised, providing exceptional professional, succinct and timely advice.'
‘A very well-regarded firm in the Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire markets. The real strength is in the in-house town planning expertise which brings with it a rounded, strategic advice.’
‘Heidi Copland: a very well-regarded lawyer, a firm favourite with clients for her wealth of experience and easy-going style.'
'Chloe Karamian - a real star. Chloe is very smart and highly efficient, well liked by clients.’
‘Heidi Copland is a star of the planning law world and is easy to work with.’
‘Heidi Copland and Peter Rainier are stand-out individuals in their field.’
‘The DMH team excels at innovation and has great commercial awareness. The team has a strong public service ethos that works especially well for not-for-profit organisations in public interest areas.’

Key clients

Wealden and Rother Councils Joint Legal Services
Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd
Crawley Borough Council
Rydon Homes Ltd
Sage Housing
CALA Homes
AGB Reading LLP
Concept Developments
Trail Riders Fellowship
Rusper Leisure Ltd
Oxted Residential Ltd/Oxted Land Company Ltd
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club/The Community Stadium Ltd
Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd
Jack and Gill Childcare and Forest School

Work highlights

Assisted the joint legal service team at Wealden and Rother District Councils with section 106 work.
Acting for the Trail Riders Fellowship - a national organisation representing motorcyclists who use and wish to conserve green roads - in proceedings for judicial or statutory review to challenge decisions relating to highways and rights of way.
Advising Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club on all its planning and related legal work, which has included securing a new stadium at Falmer, a training ground at Lancing, and a strategic mixed-use development adjacent to its training ground.

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