Practice Summary

Christopher Katkowski QC specialises in planning and environment work the bulk of which consists of appearing at, and preparing for, planning inquiries. The majority of his clients are from the private and corporate sectors. Prior to taking silk, Christopher was a member of what is now the “A” Panel of Treasury Counsel. He completed his term of office as Head of Chambers in May 2009.

Christopher is consistently recognised in UK legal directories and in Planning magazine’s annual survey of planning lawyers as one of the foremost leaders in planning and environment work in the country. In September 2005 he was named as the Silk of the Year in Environment and Planning at the Bar awards by Chambers & Partners, and was the only planning barrister to be included in 'The Power List' published by Property Week of the property industry's 50 most influential professional and legal figures. The list says of him: "Known as "KitKat," [he] is the heavyweight QC you need on your side at planning inquiries."

The Chambers & Partners Directory 2010 ranks Christopher as a 'star individual' and states that he “is without a doubt one of the top names in planning law"; "He's clearly a market leader" who combines exceptionally astute legal ability with a wonderful and engaging style".

The latest Legal 500 describes Christopher as "the best there is" and "absolutely first class" "gaining plaudits for his team leadership and tactical awareness".

The 2009 Planning Magazine Survey says of Christopher he is: "An outstanding advocate with an incredible knowledge of the law, who deals well with people from all walks of life".

Christopher’s most eye-catching successes are the three “once in a lifetime” cases:-

• Heron Tower in the City of London;
• the Shards of Glass at London Bridge;
• the new Port and 10 million square feet of commercial development at Shellhaven (London Gateway) –

in each of which he led for the developers.

Over the last 5 years, some three quarters (59) of Christopher’s cases have been public inquiries and a quarter (20) in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Lands Tribunal. The public inquiries have run for anything from a few days or weeks to several months. Christopher’s experience is wide-ranging with many of his cases comprising major mixed use; retail; housing; commercial; waste, and entertainment developments together with others dealing with compulsory purchase and Transport & Works Act orders, and lawful use certificates. He is down to earth and approachable, and enjoys the team working that is such a characteristic of planning inquiries.