Planning

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP‘s ’diligent, friendly and knowledgeable’ planning team has particularly strong expertise in energy mandates, illustrated by its advice to Ecotricity on a proposed 500MW solar farm; the team also handles residential developments, where the practice assists with large developments, acting for national housebuilders. The firm has experience handling contentious and non-contentious planning matters, including CPOs and appeals, with other expertise spanning strategic planning matters such as nutrient neutrality and biodiversity net gain work. In Bristol, team head Neil Bromwich has a focus on CPOs, especially in relation to the Energy Act and Highways Act; he also has experience in decarbonisation, biodiversity, hydrogen and battery mandates. In the same office, Richard Harding is a key name for residential development mandates including s.106 agreements, rights of way issues, and affordable housing work, with Josh Taylor taking the lead on energy matters. Laura Cooke and Arthur Hopkinson are also of note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The people are engaged and understand our business. This means that we can get down to business quickly and save time dealing with issues. They understand our value and principles which means they understand our culture.’
‘We expect all of our legal partners to of course be honest, but Osborne Clarke are people you want to work with. I feel they are partners and not just colleagues. They work hard to understand the individuals within our business and not just the business practices.’
‘The team are diligent, friendly and knowledgeable. They offer clear advice and work hard to deliver the required outcomes.’
‘Josh Taylor's knowledge of the planning system and DCOs is second to none. His advocacy on our recent project was commended by all in the team. Arthur Hopkinson has worked well with third parties to get a number of agreements finalised, and his summaries of them are comprehensive.'
‘Josh Taylor - Very knowledgeable on the NSIP process. Very diligent. Personable and really work to be part of the team. Always deliver to deadlines and to an exceptional standard.’
'Josh Taylor is outstanding. With in-depth knowledge of his practice area and the wider sector, combined with a real understanding of commercial clients' businesses and a pro-active manner, Josh consistently provides clear and pragmatic advice.'

Key clients

Barratt David Wilson Homes
Taylor Wimpey
Ecotricity
Lhyfe UK Ltd
Low Carbon
National Grid Electricity Distribution PLC
Sovereign Network Group
Vistry Group
Vodafone Limited
Wessex Water (Entrade)

Work highlights

Acting as planning adviser for Ecotricity on a proposed solar farm. This involves a 500MW Development Consent Order scheme (with 400MW energy storage), 9km underground grid connection, and a National Grid Electricity Transmission substation extension.
Advising BDW in connection with its Darwin Green development, a new community of c.1,600 homes near Cambridge City Centre.
Advising Taylor Wimpey in connection with its proposed residential development (including c.800 homes, a primary school, retail space, a community or nursery facility and a new link road) at East Hill, Chatham.