Top 10 Most Influential Planning Lawyers in South West 2023 Unveiled

Planning law is a dynamic and evolving field comprising of various intricate rules and regulations. Highly skilled planning lawyers play a crucial role in facilitating successful real estate development projects. They act as strategic advisors to clients, enabling them to navigate through legal complexities and align their plans with the policies of local and national authorities. In the South West, this breed of lawyers is thriving, with a number of highly skilled individuals making a significant impact. Let’s delve into their profiles.

These professionals, all based in the South West region, have made notable accomplishments in the planning sector. Due to their profound industry knowledge and legal prowess, they are actively making a difference in securing planning permissions, managing contentious issues and providing advisory on legal strategies. Their remarkable talent has not gone unnoticed; each of them getting widely acclaimed for their efforts by clients and peers alike.

The article, therefore, aims to shine light on these distinguished planning lawyers operating in the South West, looking at their individual profiles, exploring the firms they are affiliated with, and the unique value proposition they bring into the field.

Neil Baker

Neil Baker serves as the head of the planning and environment team at Clarke Willmott LLP. Known for his high degree of environment expertise, Baker regularly advises clients on development projects and planning applications, leveraging his extensive knowledge in planning law.

Rory Stracey

Rory Stracey, an accomplished Planning Law partner at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, is admired for his depth of knowledge across the planning regime. He takes the lead in dealing with planning, highways and compulsory purchase matters exclusively and has valuable advice to offer on these matters.

Kathryn Lawrance

Bevan Brittan LLP‘s head of planning Kathryn Lawrance has in-depth planning expertise spanning a broad range. From managing the compulsory purchase process, Section 106 agreements to handling large-scale regeneration schemes, she is a trusted advisor for local authorities, NHS organisations and registered housing providers.

Helen Hutton

At Michelmores LLP, Helen Hutton specialises in planning agreements, applications, appeals and also judicial review. She represents a diverse client base including landowners, developers, non-profits and corporations, handling their court and enforcement actions.

Christian Silk

Christian Silk, a partner at Foot Anstey LLP, is known for his sector-wide knowledge and experience. His areas of expertise include complex environmental law, infrastructure and residential development.

Duncan Tilney

Duncan Tilney of Stephens Scown LLP in Devon is a leading figure in planning law. He brings to the table extensive experience in planning law and procedure, with particular proficiency in complex planning permission and Section 106 agreements.

Polly Reynolds

Polly Reynolds from Temple Bright LLP, known for her versatility, has been involved in various contentious and non-contentious planning matters. From managing Section 106 agreements, judicial reviews to providing Community Infrastructure Levy advice, she is an asset when it comes to planning enforcement matters and inquiry work.

Gary Soloman

At Burges Salmon LLP, Gary Soloman is a respected figure in planning law, with a distinctive specialism in the compulsory purchase process. He represents local authorities and house builders in regeneration and infrastructure development matters and is known for his impressive support at planning inquiries.

Jonathan Bower

Jonathan Bower of Womble Bond Dickinson UK LLP is highly commended for his proficiency regarding the planning aspects of major regeneration schemes and nationally significant infrastructure projects. He primarily deals with compulsory purchase orders for local authorities.

Neil Bromwich

Osborne Clarke LLP’s Neil Bromwich is highly regarded for his services to clients in the energy, house builder and telecommunications sectors. While dealing with both contentious and non-contentious planning issues, he provides strategic planning advice, and expert guidance on compulsory purchase and judicial reviews.