Boasting significant experience in national planning claims in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, the Shakespeare Martineau LLP team is highly regarded for its representation of clients across the banking, energy and charity sectors. Anna Cartledge leads the planning team within the West Midlands, bringing a ‘solution focused’ approach when advising on section 106 agreements and residential development projects to the practice. Joining her in Birmingham, Simon Stanion is a planning litigation expert, whilst Solihull-based Rachael Coulsting focuses on acquisitions and financing projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The company is very well-resourced in all areas of property, meaning that the advice given can be very rounded and efficient.'

  • ‘Simon Stanion - exceptional knowledge of the planning process, as well as a tenacity one requires on their team. Josh Morley - excellent knowledge and certainly one to watch for the future.’

  • ‘Shakespeare Martineau is very partner-led, which means the partners build strong relationships with clients and act as a one-stop-shop, pulling in expertise from other areas when required. The planning team headed by Anna Cartledge was exceptional and made sure we met the deadline.'

  • 'Anna Cartledge is solution-focused, recognising the importance of completing the planning and deals, and achieving the deadlines.'

  • ‘Anna Cartledge and her team are very professional and efficient in replying and actioning work. The scope of advice understands our needs as a corporate customer, and will always state the potential risks and costs of the various options.’

  • ‘Shakespeare Martineau have provided a genuinely bespoke service, they have been flexible, attentive to the brief and always add value.’

Key clients

  • Court BD Limited
  • The Habitat Bank/ILM
  • International Students House
  • South Staffordshire Water
  • Platform Housing Limited
  • BDW Trading Limited
  • Cropston Properties Ltd
  • Members of the NFU
  • Severn Trent Connect
  • Leek Wootton

Work highlights

  • Advised International Students House on the acquisition of a site for purpose built student accommodation in the Borough of Lambeth.
  • Advised Court BD on all of the legal aspects of a planning application for a build-to-rent scheme in Birmingham, providing a mix of 581 one- and two-bedroom homes in the middle of the city centre.
  • Acting on behalf of a joint rule 6 party in opposing a proposal for 83 dwellings contrary to a bespoke allocation policy in the Warwick District Local Plan.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.

Anna Cartledge

Other key lawyers

Simon Stanion, Rachael Coulsting