The ‘incredibly agile and commercial’ team at Freeths LLP often advises on the acquisition and development of new sites, and portfolio management issues across a range of sectors, such as leisure and retail, manufacturing and residential. The group is jointly led by a trio of practitioners: John Flathers is well-versed in major residential, leisure and retail development schemes, Liz Banks is praised as an ’excellent solicitor, both technically and from a commercial perspective’, and Jonathan Crew  is noted for his expertise in land promotion agreements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team, headed by Liz Banks, are incredibly agile, commercial and full understand the requirements we have set of them as a client.’

  • ‘I have been incredibly impressed with how quickly they have got to speed with the expectations we have of them.’

  • ‘The team are always available to deal with my enquiries and offer practical and efficient advice. We have worked together for a number of years, and they always work to required timescales.’

  • ‘I generally work with John Flathers and other members of the property team. They are all friendly and helpful, explaining matters arising clearly and offer practical solutions.’

Key clients

  • Aldi Stores Limited
  • Travelodge Hotels Limited
  • Wickes Building Supplies Limited
  • Magnet Limited
  • C.P. Hart & Sons
  • Samara Group
  • Mena Developments Limited Limited
  • Leedsgate Limited
  • Dartmouth Estates
  • KCS Development Limited
  • Hargreaves Land Limited
  • Fieldon Bridge Developments Limited
  • FRP Advisory Trading Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Hargreaves Land Limited on the acquisition of 550 acres of development land at Gunness, Scunthorpe known as Lincolnshire Lakes to establish a significant residential settlement of over 1150 homes and the creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Park on 65 acres of the site.
  • Advising Fieldon Bridge Development Limited on the development of the Bishop Auckland Retail and Leisure Park comprising over 149,000 sq feet and dealing with the pre-lets.
  • Acting for Leedsgate Limited on the sale of a mixed-use development site in Leeds

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Flathers, Liz Banks, Jonathan Crew