The team at Blacks Solicitors LLP is commended for offering a ‘fantastic understanding’ of planning matters, particularly those that concern regeneration and development schemes. Clients instruct the team to advise on planning applications and impact assessments for a diverse range of industrial, residential and mixed-use development projects. Under the leadership of the ‘highly professional and effective’ James Cook, the practice is also instructed to handle an increasing number of energy and mining mandates. At the associate level, Katy McPhie is highly recommended for her expertise in development matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The practice are always contactable and are able to discuss things clearly and in an understandable manner. They look for solutions rather than highlighting problems.’
‘James Cook and Katy McPhie are very focused and committed and understand the requirements of the client from many angles. With their past experience, they know how best to approach any issues with the Local Planning Authority through direct connections and a detailed understanding of the LPA processes.’
‘We have worked with Blacks on numerous projects and have found them to be knowledgeable, professional, responsive and personable. The team has a fantastic understanding of the legalities involved in the planning system and are sensitive to the commercial pressures our clients face. They are also very effective - Blacks' input has been crucial in us obtaining planning permission on a number of sites, and their ability to navigate through the legal complexities has been invaluable.’
‘We have primarily worked with James Cook and Katy McPhie. Both are extremely personable, knowledgeable and professional.’
‘James Cook is a very experienced and able solicitor whom I have used for my legal planning work for a long time.’
‘James Cook provides a highly professional and effective service in planning law.’
‘Black's Planning team are always helpful to assist with any planning queries and provide a personable service. They work in a methodical way and provide easy to understand advice on a range of matters.’
‘James Cook and Katy McPhie understand the planning process and are able to provide advice on a range of matters. We have no hesitation in recommending them to clients as they always work in a timely and easy to understand manner.’
Key clients
- Bridon International Limited
- Fluorsid British Fluorspar Limited
- Scarborough Group International
- Thorpe Park Developments Limited
- Wilton Developments Limited
- YPP Group of Companies
Work highlights
- Advised Scarborough Group Limited on an application for planning permission for approximately 549,000 square feet of employment development on 21.17 hectares of green belt land in Leeds.
- Advised Water Lane Limited (part of Wilton Developments Limited) on a proposal for 45,755 square metres of employment development (storage & distribution and office space), a multi-use sports pitch, associated landscaping, and vehicular, pedestrian and cycle infrastructure in Leeds.
- Advised Bridon International Ltd. on an application for planning permission for approximately 42,000 square metres of industrial and warehousing development in South Yorkshire, involving the preparation and negotiation of a section 106 agreement which included obligations relating to a new bus service, local employment, tree planting, biodiversity net gain and travel planning.