Walker Morris LLP fields ‘experts in both planning advisory and advocacy work’, with the team handling non-contentious planning advice on residential, road and mixed-use development projects as well as representing clients in public inquiries and planning appeals on the contentious side. Practice head Richard Sagar is particularly strong in advocacy work and is well versed in compulsory purchases and planning appeal inquiries. Chris Slater bolsters the team’s expertise in section 106 planning obligations for property developers, Rob Moore handles strategic planning advice and has expertise in highways matters, and Josh Kitson handles contentious planning work in relation to a broad range of development projects. The team was bolstered in March 2024 by the arrival of Lee Gordon from Weightmans.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Sagar gives sound, pragmatic and concise advice that aids in decision making and the progression of schemes. Richard is able to naturally work like an extension to the internal team which is a significant advantage.’
‘They are incredibly diligent, always accessible and provide clear and concise advice which is great for client and wider consultant team alike.’
‘The Walker Morris Planning Team are rightfully highly regarded in the development sector. The team's attention to detail, tactical judgment and strong communication in explaining the strategy for a case to clients and their consultants are excellent. ’
‘I've worked with Richard Sagar and Victoria Leam both of whom are friendly and helpful with advice on minor queries and on bigger cases. Both are great at challenging clients and technical consultants on evidence and requirements and are helpful communicators who provide clear advice.’
‘Richard Sagar - very experienced solicitor specifying in large market homes schemes. Josh Kitson - very able, likeable and user friendly. One of the best young planning solicitors around.’
‘Robert Moore is exceptionally committed to his clients. He wants to explore every route to victory and leave no stone unturned. Rebecca Delaney is supremely well-organised and responsive.’
‘Rob Moore is a great individual to work with. He is absolutely forensic in his approach and loves to get stuck in as part of a wider team. Chris Slater remains the 'go to' person for advice on Section 106 and CIL-related matters. He has excellent local authority contacts.’
‘The experience and knowledge base of the planning department is, in my view, second to none in Yorkshire. Anything that gets complicated in respect of planning, Walker Morris are always the first call, without hesitation.’
Key clients
- Anchor Hanover Group
- Asda Stores
- Avant Homes
- Bellway Homes
- Bowmer & Kirkland Limited
- Caddick Group
- Commercial Estates Group
- FCC Environment (UK) Limited
- Gleeson Developments
- Hallam Land Management Ltd
- Harworth Group
- Highstone Homes
- JG Hatcliffe Associates Limited
- Mulgrave
- Newett Homes
- Nixon Homes
- Park Lane Properties Ltd
- The Peel Group
- Unite Group
- Welltower Inc
- Vistry Group
Work highlights
- Advised on a successful planning appeal for Harworth against the refusal of outline planning permission for the erection of up to 397 dwellings and associated infrastructure.
- Advising Nixon Homes on the promotion of a planning application for two development blocks.
- Provided planning advice in relation to securing a hybrid planning permission for JG Hatcliffe and Howden Joinery Properties Limited in relation to a large-scale development in Yorkshire.
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Practice head
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Richard Sagar