Bevan Brittan LLP maintains a comprehensive full-service offering in the social housing space, where it advises on strategic land acquisitions and sales, construction contracts and housing finance issues; it also provides litigation advice relating to disrepair claims and health and safety matters. The team’s client roster comprises developers, funders, local authorities and major housing associations, including Broadacres and Together Housing Association. Key contacts in Leeds include Richard Stirk, who excels across a broad range of mandates across the development and securities spaces; Julie Cowan-Clark, who works primarily with housing associations and local authorities on property transactions; and litigation expert John Cox.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Knowledge of social housing, and how housing associations work and approach opportunities.’
‘Julie Cowan-Clark, always clear on what is needed and on hand to answer more queries alongside giving ad hoc advice as needed.’
‘We have a long-standing relationship with the social housing team at Bevan Brittan. As a result of this the team have a fantastic understanding of the needs of the organisation and are able to tailor their advice to our specific needs and operations.’
‘Richard Stirk has an exceptional knowledge of development in a social housing context, and in particular his knowledge of grant funding arrangements is outstanding. He has an in-depth understanding of the sector, and his advice is always tailored to the specific needs of the client organisation. I would absolutely recommend both him and his team to any housing provider seeking advice on development matters.’
‘We have found the social housing team extremely effective. They are proactive, knowledgeable and have the requisite skills for dealing with often complex contracts or situations. They also have a wide breadth of experience, so are able to provide examples of best practice or alert us to emerging issues. The level of engagement is impressive and one of the most striking aspects is their ability to work at pace, but not sacrificing quality.’
‘We have worked with Julie Cowan-Clark and Julie has provided invaluable assistance on a number of transactions that often are complex and/or have limited time. Julie has a very effective way of relaying complex legal information in a way that can be easily understood by the client and is very dedicated and knowledgeable.’
‘Very responsive with excellent communication.’
‘The individuals provide clear communication on what can be technically complex issues.’
Key clients
- Yorkshire Housing Limited
- Together Housing Association Limited
- Karbon Homes Limited
- Connect Housing Association Limited
- Wakefield and District Housing Limited
- Unity Housing Association Limited
- Broadacres Housing Association Limited
- Habinteg Housing Association Limited
- Rotherham Borough Council
- 54 North Homes Limited
- Arches Housing Limited
- Richmond Fellowship Limited
- Manningham Housing Association Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Together Commercial, a subsidiary of Together Housing Association Limited in relation to a Joint Venture with Vistry in relation to the acquisition and development of land parcels to deliver over 500 dwellings.
- Advised Karbon Homes in relation to the acquisition of affordable units and land in a multi-phase scheme in Beverley to deliver 200+ affordable homes.
- Advising Peabody and Catalyst on their proposed merger, to create a new organisation responsible for 104,000 homes and c.220,000 residents across London, Kent, Sussex and the Home Counties.