Planning

Burges Salmon LLP

Providing ‘robust, honest and pragmatic legal advice’, Burges Salmon LLP’s planning and compulsory purchase unit is often frequently involved in large, nationally significant infrastructure projects. The team is also known for its regular representation of councils and other local authorities on CPOs, another central part of the practice. Spearheading the practice out of Bristol, Gary Soloman has expertise covering CPOs, highway proposals, and the compensation aspects of regeneration projects, while Julian Boswall has experience in large NSIPs, energy matters, and transport projects, with Elizabeth Dunn also being highly regarded in these areas in addition to the Developments of National Significance consenting regime in Wales. Other key members of the practice include Alex Minhinick, senior associates Jen Ashwell, Matthew Tucker, Daniel Whittle and Laura Fuller, as well as directors Cathryn Tracey, who is a common land and open space expert, and Sarah Sutherland.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘As a firm, Burges Salmon have some of the best planning lawyers in the business in the renewables and large-scale infrastructure sectors. Their extensive legal and sector knowledge, commercial understanding and down-to-earth approach makes them easy to work with and you can always rely on them for robust, honest and pragmatic legal advice.’
‘I work extensively with Elizabeth Dunn and Cathryn Tracey. Both have extensive knowledge of renewable energy and infrastructure consenting and both are fantastic to work with and committed to their clients. Cathryn's knowledge and expertise on Common Land has been invaluable to our onshore wind projects. If it was possible, I would have Elizabeth Dunn working on all my projects - her legal and strategy advice is inciteful, well thought through and compelling.’
‘Brilliant team that holds its own and has personnel of genuine, sector leading quality and experience.’
‘Gary Solomon is a partner highly regarded among peers within the sector, well known nationally for his work on planning, compulsory purchase, compensation and regeneration. He is a careful and deep thinker, a calm head, has excellent client care skills and a joy to work with. The team is always well resourced and organised even in the most challenging cases.’
‘The practice is not only highly competent and efficient but stands out as a very friendly team, instilling clients with confidence but also putting them at ease.’
‘Alex Minhinick has been a pleasure to work with, applying his depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to the project and delivering results. I think Alex is an industry leading figure in the Planning Act 2008, coming up with solutions to problems that are proportionate and smart rather than blocking and worrisome. That said, Alex has highlighted and advised on risks early on that have steered the project to the right outcome. I trust Alex implicitly in his advice and in the management of me as a client.’
‘Have always found Burges Salmon solicitors speak well, plainly and in a way that is easy to understand no matter how complicated the case. They speak with empathy and understanding.'
‘We work with Sarah Sutherland and are very grateful for Sarah's hard work and diligence. Her advice is very clear and thorough, sound and free of legal jargon. Sarah is very approachable and knows when to delegate work to her team.’

Key clients

National Highways
Isle of Anglesey County Council
YTL Property Holdings
Bute Energy
Equinor
TfL/GLA
North Somerset Council
Torbay Council
South Hams District Council
JBM Solar
Department for Transport
RWE Renewables
Environment Agency
Gloucestershire County Council
Cardiff Parkway Developments
Blackbushe Airport Limited

Work highlights

Leading on the consenting of numerous energy and highways DCOs, including the complex A417 ‘missing link’ DCO for National Highways.
Advising Isle of Anglesey County Council on various aspects of its Energy Island programme, including acting as advocate at a four week inquiry for a TWAO for a proposed new tidal energy demonstration zone and advising on the newly designated Anglesey Freeport at Holyhead.
Leading on the promotion of a growing number of CPOs including advising Torbay Council on the successful CPO for the regeneration of Crossways Shopping Centre in Paignton.