Scott Lyness KC

Call: 1996

Silk: 2020

Scott Lyness specialises in all aspects of planning and environmental law including infrastructure, energy, housing, commercial and retail. His varied practice encompasses appearances at planning inquiries and examinations and in the Higher Courts.

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Practice summary

Planning

Environment

Cross-practice

Practice Summary

Scott’s varied practice encompasses all aspects of planning both at inquiries and examinations and in the Higher Courts. He has particular expertise in providing strategic and detailed technical advice to guide large-scale and complex development proposals through the consent process, as well as preparing for and appearing at major planning inquiries and examinations.

Throughout his career he has been rated highly in professional directories. He was nominated for Chambers and Partners; Planning Junior of the Year in 2016. Chambers and Partners (2024) say he is “well respected by the client. They trust him with the detail of a complex case”; he is “meticulous, extremely popular with clients and very reassuring. He was described (2023) as "savvy and tenacious”; “his appeal work is pragmatic and highly effective;" “his energy levels and commitment are off the scales. He leaves nothing to chance;" "He is thorough, self-sufficient, client-focused…”. The Legal 500 (2024) say that: “Scott is extremely user-friendly and approachable. He is impressive on his feet with a brilliant advocacy style. He is well-liked by clients, with a calming manner which is a key strength. He will always go above and beyond what is required, meaning he will always get stuck in. He is a genuine pleasure to work alongside”.

Scott’s practice covers major infrastructure and energy-related proposals, including cases covered by the NSIP regime. His work has covered a range of developments including railways, nuclear power stations, gas storage facilities, onshore and offshore wind farms and solar arrays.

His substantial and varied housing experience includes advice on housing need and supply, as well as the wide range of issues commonly associated with residential proposals, including affordable housing and viability. He appears regularly for both housebuilders and local authorities at planning inquiries.

His extensive regeneration experience has included public inquiries into city centre regeneration schemes, often involving issues relating to compulsory purchase, residential and retail development, office and employment floorspace, listed buildings and conservation areas, section 106 obligations and detailed technical issues relating to noise, air quality and transport.

He has considerable expertise of cases involving tall building proposals, particularly in London, which often raise heritage issues.

He has significant experience in promoting and objecting to development plans at examination stage, and in advising on emerging policy.

He advises and acts frequently on environmental issues including EIA and habitats.

Notable cases Scott has been instructed on include:

  • Appearing for Historic England at the public inquiry to oppose the “Tulip” (Foster & Partners), a 305m tall visitor attraction in the City near the Tower of London World Heritage Site.
  • Acting for Highways England in relation to their proposals for a 10-mile dual carriageway and new junctions on the A428 between Black Cat and Caxton Gibbett.
  • Representing the University of Cambridge in connection with proposals for a new station to serve the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
  • Appearing for York City Council at the examination into its Local Plan.
  • Appearing at public inquiry to promote a scheme for Market Square, Basildon, involving 492 build-to-rent properties in mixed use development up to 17 storeys.
  • Advising Gatwick airport on proposals to reposition its northern runway to allow dual runway operations.
  • Advising petitioners on the HS2 Phase 2b: High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill 2022.

He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in November 1996 and to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2005. He is Chair of Chambers’ Pupillage Committee.

Planning

Scott’s planning experience is more fully described in the adjacent links. His main practice areas are set out below.


Tall Buildings and London

Scott has extensive related expertise in cases involving tall building proposals, particularly in London, which often raise heritage issues. He acted for:

  • For Historic England in its opposition to the “Tulip” (Foster & Partners), a 305m tall visitor attraction in the City near the Tower of London World Heritage Site.
  • For Historic England in relation to a series of tall buildings proposals in Hounslow affecting views from the Kew Gardens World Heritage Site (Citroen site, Albany Riverside, Syon Lane).
  • The developers promoting 20 Fenchurch Street by Rafael Vinoly.
  • The developers promoting 20 Blackfriars Road by Wilkinson Eyre.

He has also acted for developers in relation to the redevelopment of the Tolworth Tower site in Kingston incorporating further tall buildings. Other cases in London (beyond the regeneration cases mentioned above) include acting for Chelsea Football Club in relation to the planned redevelopment of its stadium and advising on development affecting safeguarded wharves on the Thames including Peruvian Wharf.

Regeneration, Retail and CPO

His experience has from the early years of practice included public inquiries into city centre regeneration schemes. These cases have often involved issues relating to compulsory purchase, residential and retail development, office and employment floorspace, listed buildings and conservation areas, section 106 obligations and detailed technical issues relating to noise, air quality and transport.

He has advised developers and local authorities in relation to some of the most significant development proposals in London in recent years, including the regeneration of the Earls Court/West Kensington Opportunity Area (development across 57 acres including 7,500 homes) and the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station (including over 2,500 homes).

Other work has included:

  • Promoting the compulsory purchase order which led to Liverpool One, the £1 billion mixed use redevelopment of Liverpool city centre.
  • Promoting other orders to secure significant retail-led regeneration schemes in Leeds, Nottingham and Derby, major commercial redevelopment at Victoria Transport Interchange.
  • Acting in R (on the application of Sainsbury’s Stores Ltd) v Wolverhampton City Council [2010] UKSC 20, the leading case on the materiality of considerations to the exercise of powers of compulsory acquisition.
  • Advising through to consent on the “Tribeca” scheme for the office- and retail-based regeneration of twelve acres of Belfast city centre.

Plan-making

Scott has significant experience in promoting and objecting to development plans at examination stage, and in advising on emerging policy. Recent cases include acting for Cheshire East Council in relation to its Site Allocations and Development Policies Document, for North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors National Park Authority and York City Council on their Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, and York City Council on its Local Plan.

Heritage

Scott has extensive related expertise in cases involving tall building proposals, particularly in London, which often raise heritage issues. He acted for:

  • For Historic England in its opposition to the “Tulip” (Foster & Partners), a 305m tall visitor attraction in the City near the Tower of London World Heritage Site
  • For Historic England in relation to a series of tall buildings proposals in Hounslow affecting views from the Kew Gardens World Heritage Site (Citroen site, Albany Riverside, Syon Lane).
  • The developers promoting 20 Fenchurch Street by Rafael Vinoly
  • The developers promoting 20 Blackfriars Road by Wilkinson Eyre.

He has also acted for developers in relation to the redevelopment of the Tolworth Tower site in Kingston incorporating further tall buildings.

Other heritage cases include:

  • Advising on the heritage implications of replacing the iconic towers at Battersea Power Station
  • Appearing for Historic England at the call-in inquiry into major solar farm proposals on land at the Science Museum, Wroughton, Swindon
  • Acting for the National Trust on a challenge to the proposed development of a golf course near the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site
  • Representing Historic England in its TWAO objection to the Northern Hub railway infrastructure in Manchester.

Infrastructure

Scott’s practice covers major infrastructure and energy-related proposals, including cases covered by the NSIP regime. His work has covered a range of developments including railways, nuclear power stations, gas storage facilities, onshore and offshore wind farms and solar arrays. He has advised or acted for:

  • EDF in relation to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
  • Highways England in relation to the A428 proposals for Black Cat to Caxton Gibbett improvements.
  • Gatwick Airport in relation to its plans to bring the existing Northern Runway into routine use, with the development of supporting infrastructure and facilities.
  • The University of Manchester in relation to the impact of the proposed Keuper Gas storage facility in Cheshire on the Jodrell Bank telescope.
  • Vattenfall in relation to Thanet offshore windfarm.
  • The RSPB in relation to the world’s largest offshore windfarm (Hornsea Projects One and Two).

TWAO work has included acting for the University of Cambridge in connection with proposals for a new station to serve the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, as well as English Heritage and the University of Manchester in relation to proposals by Network Rail for new railways infrastructure as part of the “Northern Hub”.

Scott acted for the Systems Operator for Northern Ireland in promoting major proposals for a 138-km long interconnector linking the electricity networks of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He advised the Department for the Environment regarding the proposed modification of its planning agreement with George Best City Airport.

Scott is currently acting for clients petitioning against the HS2 Phase 2b: High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill 2022.

Residential

Scott’s substantial housing experience involves a variety of cases and includes acting for developers promoting Sherford, a new 5,500-home community east of Plymouth city centre. 

Scott has advised developers and local authorities in relation to some of the most significant development proposals in London in recent years, including the regeneration of the Earls Court/West Kensington Opportunity Area (development across 57 acres including 7,500 homes) and the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station (including over 2,500 homes).

Recent work has involved regular appearances acting for both housebuilders and local authorities at planning inquiries and advising on housing need and land supply issues, in relation to both proposals and the preparation of development plans, including the following:

  • Market Square, Basildon, 492 build-to-rent properties in mixed use development up to 17 storeys.
  • Tolworth Complex, Kingston: change of use of Tolworth House and development of two tall buildings within mixed use scheme including 500 new homes.
  • Crewe Road, Shavington, 200 dwellings
  • 144 Audlem Road, Nantwich, 104 dwellings
  • Cheerbrook Road, Willaston, 120 dwellings
  • East Avenue, Weston, 99 dwellings
  • Crewe Road, Shavington, 68 dwellings
  • Hassall Road, Alsager, 60 dwellings
  • Main Road, Shavington, 44 dwellings
  • 51 Main Street, Goostrey: housing proposals in consultation zone of Jodrell Bank Observatory.

Commercial/Retail

Scott has for many years acted in a variety of retail cases, including public inquiries into city centre retail-led regeneration schemes. Clients have included Tesco, Sainsbury's and the Co-op, acting in relation to edge- and out-of-centre schemes. Regeneration work has included:

  • promoting the compulsory purchase order which led to Liverpool One, the £1 billion mixed use redevelopment of Liverpool city centre.
  • promoting other orders to secure significant retail-led regeneration schemes in Leeds, Nottingham and Derby.
  • promoting major commercial redevelopment at Victoria Transport Interchange.
  • advising through to consent on the “Tribeca” scheme for the office- and retail- based regeneration of twelve acres of Belfast city centre.

Scott also has experience of proposals involving the application of policy relating to the loss of employment land (Tolworth complex, Kingston - change of use of Tolworth House and development of two tall buildings within mixed use scheme including 500 new homes).

Compulsory Purchase and Compensation

His experience has from the early years of practice included public inquiries into city centre regeneration schemes. These cases have often involved issues relating to compulsory purchase, residential and retail development, office and employment floorspace, listed buildings and conservation areas, section 106 obligations and detailed technical issues relating to noise, air quality and transport.

He has advised developers and local authorities in relation to some of the most significant development proposals in London in recent years, including the regeneration of the Earls Court/West Kensington Opportunity Area (development across 57 acres including 7,500 homes) and the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station (including over 2,500 homes).

Other work has included:

  • Promoting the compulsory purchase order which led to Liverpool One, the £1 billion mixed use redevelopment of Liverpool city centre.
  • Promoting other orders to secure significant retail-led regeneration schemes in Leeds, Nottingham and Derby, major commercial redevelopment at Victoria Transport Interchange.
  • Acting in R (on the application of Sainsbury’s Stores Ltd) v Wolverhampton City Council [2010] UKSC 20, the leading case on the materiality of considerations to the exercise of powers of compulsory acquisition.
  • Advising through to consent on the “Tribeca” scheme for the office- and retail- based regeneration of twelve acres of Belfast city centre.

Development Consent Orders

Scott’s practice covers major infrastructure and energy-related proposals, including cases covered by the NSIP regime. His work has covered a range of developments including railways, nuclear power stations, gas storage facilities, onshore and offshore wind farms and solar arrays. He has advised or acted for:

  • EDF in relation to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
  • Highways England in relation to the A428 proposals for Black Cat to Caxton Gibbett improvements.
  • Gatwick Airport in relation to its plans to bring the existing Northern Runway into routine use, with the development of supporting infrastructure and facilities.
  • The University of Manchester in relation to the impact of the proposed Keuper Gas storage facility in Cheshire on the Jodrell Bank telescope.
  • Vattenfall in relation to Thanet offshore windfarm.
  • The RSPB in relation to the world’s largest offshore windfarm (Hornsea Projects One and Two).

Development Contribution: Section 106 and CIL

Scott has extensive experience of advising on section 106 obligations (including those relating to affordable housing and the application of the CIL regime). This has included advice to BT and the BBC on the CIL implications of prospective redevelopment proposals on their estates.

Development Plans and other planning policy

Scott has significant experience in promoting and objecting to development plans at examination stage, and in advising on emerging policy. Recent cases include acting for Cheshire East Council in relation to its Site Allocations and Development Policies Document, for North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors National Park Authority and York City Council on their Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, and York City Council on its Local Plan.

Energy

Scott’s practice covers major infrastructure and energy-related proposals, including cases covered by the NSIP regime. His work has covered a range of developments including nuclear power stations, gas storage facilities, onshore and offshore wind farms and solar arrays. He has advised or acted for:

  • EDF in relation to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (NSIP)
  • The University of Manchester in relation to the impact of the proposed Keuper Gas storage facility in Cheshire on the Jodrell Bank telescope (NSIP).
  • Vattenfall in relation to Thanet offshore windfarm (NSIP)
  • The RSPB in relation to the world’s largest offshore windfarm (Hornsea Projects One and Two).
  • SSE Renewables on their proposals for a 118 MW windfarm as their largest investment in Northern Ireland (planning inquiry).
  • Historic England in respect of the impact of the 60.6 MW Wroughton Airfield Solar Park (planning inquiry).
  • The Systems Operator for Northern Ireland promoting major proposals for a 138-km long interconnector linking the electricity networks of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (planning inquiry and High Court, culminating in Minister for Infrastructure v Safe Electricity Ltd and the Executive Office [2022] NICA 61 (exercise in statutory interpretation to determine if the relevant Minister breached the Ministerial Code by approving planning permission without referral to the Executive Committee).
  • RES UK and Ireland Limited, in judicial review proceedings in Northern Ireland concerning the interpretation of policy applicable to the impact of wind farms on priority habitats: Re Res UK and Ireland Ltd’s Application [2018] NIQB 16.

Environment

Scott advises and acts frequently on environmental issues, including EIA and habitats. Case work has included representing:

  • Wealden District Council in cases involving the application of the Habitats Directive in cases involving traffic emissions, air quality and impacts on the ecology of the Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation (Wealden DC v SSCLG [2017] EWCA Civ 39; Wealden District Council v SSCLG, Lewes DC and South Downs NPA [2017] EWHC 351 (Admin)).
  • North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors National Park Authority and York City Council on their policies relating to hydraulic fracturing (and advising the Authority on mining proposals in the Park).
  • The National Trust in relation to an application to carry out geological surveys on land at Clumber Park.
  • the RSPB regarding proposals for substantial residential-led development at the Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire, adjacent to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.
  • the Shaftesbury Estate on a judicial review concerning enforcement and habitats issues arising from sand dredging in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland.

Recent work has included advising on environmental considerations relating to consenting processes for quarrying and mining proposals in Northern Ireland.

Minerals and Waste

Scott regularly advises on minerals and waste issues. He represented North York Moors National Park Authority, North Yorkshire County Council and York City Council on their Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, which included policies relating to hydraulic fracturing in the plan area. He has also advised the Authority in relation to proposals for polyhalite mining in the Park.

He acted for the mining operator on a challenge to a permission for gold mining in Northern Ireland: In the Matter of an application by William Donnelly [2018] NICA 44.

Recent work has included advising on environmental considerations relating to consenting processes for quarrying and mining proposals in Northern Ireland.

Planning Appeals, Inquiries and Hearings

Scott has acted in multiple significant planning appeals, inquiries and hearings. See the highlights section below for notable examples.

Planning Judicial and Statutory Reviews

Scott has acted in multiple significant planning Judicial Reviews and Statutory Reviews. See the highlights section below for notable examples.

Transport Orders and Parliamentary Bills

TWAO work has included acting for the University of Cambridge at the TWAO inquiry regarding proposals by Network Rail for a new station to serve the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Scott also acted for English Heritage and the University of Manchester in relation to the TWAO inquiry regarding proposals by Network Rail for new railways infrastructure in Manchester as part of the “Northern Hub”.

Scott is currently acting for clients petitioning against the HS2 Phase 2b: High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill 2022.

Environment

Scott advises and acts frequently on environmental issues, including EIA and habitats. Case work has included representing:

  • Wealden District Council in cases involving the application of the Habitats Directive in cases involving traffic emissions, air quality and impacts on the ecology of the Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation (Wealden DC v SSCLG [2017] EWCA Civ 39; Wealden District Council v SSCLG, Lewes DC and South Downs NPA [2017] EWHC 351 (Admin)).
  • North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors National Park Authority and York City Council on their policies relating to hydraulic fracturing (and advising the Authority on mining proposals in the Park).
  • The National Trust in relation to an application to carry out geological surveys on land at Clumber Park.
  • the RSPB regarding proposals for substantial residential-led development at the Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire, adjacent to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.
  • the Shaftesbury Estate on a judicial review concerning enforcement and habitats issues arising from sand dredging in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland.

Recent work has included advising on environmental considerations relating to consenting processes for quarrying and mining proposals in Northern Ireland.

Air Quality

Scott advises regularly on air quality issues relating to applications for planning permission and development consent, as well as the preparation of development plans. He has extensive expertise in the technical aspects of air quality assessment and the application of law legal duties and policy relating to air quality.

He acted for Wealden District Council in cases involving the application of the Habitats Directive in cases involving traffic emissions, air quality and impacts on the ecology of the Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation (Wealden DC v SSCLG [2017] EWCA Civ 39; Wealden District Council v SSCLG, Lewes DC and South Downs NPA [2017] EWHC 351 (Admin)).

Climate Change and Emissions Trading

Scott advises clients regularly on climate change assessments for the purposes of environmental impact assessments to support applications for planning permission and development consent. His infrastructure work often involves advising on GHG emissions and compliance with national policy statements. [And add in a link to the Infrastructure Page.

Ecology and Biodiversity

Scott has extensive experience of advising on ecology and biodiversity, particularly in the context of Habitats Regulations assessments prepared to support applications for planning permission and development consent, as well as the preparation of development plans. He acted for:

  • Wealden District Council in cases involving the application of the Habitats Directive in cases involving traffic emissions, air quality and impacts on the ecology of the Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation (Wealden DC v SSCLG [2017] EWCA Civ 39; Wealden District Council v SSCLG, Lewes DC and South Downs NPA [2017] EWHC 351 (Admin)).
  • The National Trust in relation to an application to carry out geological surveys as permitted development associated with minerals exploration on land at Clumber Park.
  • the RSPB regarding proposals for substantial residential-led development at the Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire, adjacent to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.
  • the RSPB in relation to the impacts of offshore windfarm development at Hornsea 1 and 2 on affected SPAs.
  • the Shaftesbury Estate on a judicial review concerning enforcement and habitats issues arising from sand dredging in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland.

RES UK and Ireland Limited, in judicial review proceedings in Northern Ireland concerning the interpretation of policy applicable to the impact of wind farms on priority habitats: Re Res UK and Ireland Ltd’s Application [2018] NIQB 16.

Energy

Scott’s practice covers major infrastructure and energy-related proposals, including cases covered by the NSIP regime. His work has covered a range of developments including nuclear power stations, gas storage facilities, onshore and offshore wind farms and solar arrays. He has advised or acted for:

  • EDF in relation to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (NSIP)
  • The University of Manchester in relation to the impact of the proposed Keuper Gas storage facility in Cheshire on the Jodrell Bank telescope (NSIP).
  • Vattenfall in relation to Thanet offshore windfarm (NSIP)
  • The RSPB in relation to the world’s largest offshore windfarm (Hornsea Projects One and Two).
  • SSE Renewables on their proposals for a 118 MW windfarm as their largest investment in Northern Ireland (planning inquiry).
  • Historic England in respect of the impact of the 60.6 MW Wroughton Airfield Solar Park (planning inquiry).
  • The Systems Operator for Northern Ireland promoting major proposals for a 138-km long interconnector linking the electricity networks of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (planning inquiry and High Court, culminating in Minister for Infrastructure v Safe Electricity Ltd and the Executive Office [2022] NICA 61 (exercise in statutory interpretation to determine if the relevant Minister breached the Ministerial Code by approving planning permission without referral to the Executive Committee).
  • RES UK and Ireland Limited, in judicial review proceedings in Northern Ireland concerning the interpretation of policy applicable to the impact of wind farms on priority habitats: Re Res UK and Ireland Ltd’s Application [2018] NIQB 16.

Environmental Assessment (Environmental Outcomes)

Scott regularly advises on the preparation of environmental impact assessments to support applications for planning permission and development consent, often in relation to major infrastructure projects or city centre regeneration schemes. He acted for the National Trust in Northern Ireland on a judicial review challenge to a Ministerial to grant permission for a new golf resort close to the Giants’ EIA submitted with the application: An Application For Judicial Review By The National Trust [2013] NIQB 60. See pages on Scott's planning profile here.

Habitats and Species

Scott has extensive experience of advising on ecology and biodiversity, particularly in the context of Habitats Regulations assessments prepared to support applications for planning permission and development consent, as well as the preparation of development plans. He acted for:

  • Wealden District Council in cases involving the application of the Habitats Directive in cases involving traffic emissions, air quality and impacts on the ecology of the Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation (Wealden DC v SSCLG [2017] EWCA Civ 39; Wealden District Council v SSCLG, Lewes DC and South Downs NPA [2017] EWHC 351 (Admin)).
  • The National Trust in relation to an application to carry out geological surveys as permitted development associated with minerals exploration on land at Clumber Park.
  • the RSPB regarding proposals for substantial residential-led development at the Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire, adjacent to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.
  • the RSPB in relation to the impacts of offshore windfarm development at Hornsea 1 and 2 on affected SPAs.
  • the Shaftesbury Estate on a judicial review concerning enforcement and habitats issues arising from sand dredging in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland.

RES UK and Ireland Limited, in judicial review proceedings in Northern Ireland concerning the interpretation of policy applicable to the impact of wind farms on priority habitats: Re Res UK and Ireland Ltd’s Application [2018] NIQB 16.

Waste

Scott regularly advises on minerals and waste issues. He represented North York Moors National Park Authority, North Yorkshire County Council and York City Council on their Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, which included policies relating to hydraulic fracturing in the plan area. He has also advised the Authority in relation to proposals for polyhalite mining in the Park.

He acted for the mining operator on a challenge to a permission for gold mining in Northern Ireland: In the Matter of an application by William Donnelly [2018] NICA 44.

Recent work has included advising on environmental considerations relating to consenting processes for quarrying and mining proposals in Northern Ireland.

Wildlife

Scott has extensive experience of advising on ecology and biodiversity, particularly in the context of Habitats Regulations assessments prepared to support applications for planning permission and development consent, as well as the preparation of development plans. He acted for:

  • Wealden District Council in cases involving the application of the Habitats Directive in cases involving traffic emissions, air quality and impacts on the ecology of the Ashdown Forest Special Area of Conservation (Wealden DC v SSCLG [2017] EWCA Civ 39; Wealden District Council v SSCLG, Lewes DC and South Downs NPA [2017] EWHC 351 (Admin)).
  • The National Trust in relation to an application to carry out geological surveys as permitted development associated with minerals exploration on land at Clumber Park.
  • the RSPB regarding proposals for substantial residential-led development at the Grade I listed Jacobean Bramshill House, Hampshire, adjacent to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.
  • the RSPB in relation to the impacts of offshore windfarm development at Hornsea 1 and 2 on affected SPAs.
  • the Shaftesbury Estate on a judicial review concerning enforcement and habitats issues arising from sand dredging in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland.

RES UK and Ireland Limited, in judicial review proceedings in Northern Ireland concerning the interpretation of policy applicable to the impact of wind farms on priority habitats: Re Res UK and Ireland Ltd’s Application [2018] NIQB 16.

Cross-practice

Landmark's barristers often work at the intersection of our core practice areas; bringing a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to bear on a particular dispute or issue facing a client.

Our focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome for our client. By viewing the client's objectives in a holistic way - and not purely through the lens of one rigidly-defined legal area - we deliver the best possible advice and representation in complex matters that engage multiple specialist areas of law. 

Whether it's providing support as an individual cross-practice barrister or a cross-disciplinary team of Landmark counsel, we are able to draw on an outstanding array of complementary skillsets and knowledge bases. This often achieves a better result than instructing multiple barristers from different specialist sets. This also improves the quality of client care through increased levels of communication, quicker response times, and a coordinated approach to clerking and fees, made possible by our team-based cross-practice approach.

Please contact our practice management team for more information.

Energy

Highways and Rights of Access

Public Works Projects

Specialisms

Heritage

Infrastructure

Residential

Commercial/Retail

Compulsory Purchase and Compensation

Development Consent Orders

Development Contribution: Section 106 and CIL

Development Plans and other planning policy

Energy

Environment

Minerals and Waste

Planning Appeals, Inquiries and Hearings

Planning Judicial and Statutory Reviews

Transport Orders and Parliamentary Bills

Specialisms

Air Quality

Climate Change and Emissions Trading

Ecology and Biodiversity

Energy

Environmental Assessment (Environmental Outcomes)

Habitats and Species

Waste

Wildlife

Specialisms

Energy

Highways and Rights of Access

Public Works Projects

"
A fantastic reputation for his wide-ranging planning practice."

Chambers and Partners

Firm Logo 3 UK Leading silk 2025

Qualifications and achievements

Qualifications

  • Graduated in law as a Marvell Prize winner from Hull University in 1995

Memberships

  • Planning and Environment Bar Association
  • United Kingdom Environmental Law Association

Recommendations

Practice Managers

Contact our friendly and helpful Practice Managers for more information about our barristers and services or to make an enquiry.

Michael Gooch new

Michael Gooch

Senior Practice Manager

020 7421 1305

Jonathan Barley new

Jonathan Barley

Practice Manager

020 7421 2480

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Noel Pudney

Assistant Practice Manager

020 7421 1398

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