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Planning

1
Landmark Chambers
2
39 Essex Chambers
Francis Taylor Building
3
Cornerstone Barristers
4
Six Pump Court

Leading Silks

1
Neil Cameron KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Neil is a strong and well prepared advocate, with a vast breadth of experience. He is very client friendly and responsive.'
Timothy Corner KC – Landmark Chambers 'Real gravitas when on his feet in court. Huge brain. Unflappable even in the most high pressured situations. Charming with clients.'
Morag Ellis KC –Francis Taylor Building 'Morag is an extremely effective but calm advocate, who ensures points are made in a clear and precise manner. She is superb with clients.'
David Elvin KC – Landmark Chambers ‘David is excellent. He is commercially minded and easy to work with.’    
Russell Harris KC – Landmark Chambers 'Russell is a masterful advocate with a persistently brilliant strategic grasp of the points that really matter.’
Richard Harwood KC – 39 Essex Chambers
Michael Humphries KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘He combines a powerful intellect with exceptional technical expertise and strategic thinking. Clients place considerable value on his wise counsel and appreciate his commercial awareness.'
Christopher Katkowski KC –Kings Chambers ‘Christopher is highly responsive and provides crystal clear strategic and technical advice on the most complex of matters. He is a fantastic team leader who commands the full respect of clients. An outstanding advocate and a forensic cross-examiner.’
James Maurici KC – Landmark Chambers ‘A very intelligent and personable silk, who is easy to work with.’
Hereward Phillpot KC  –Francis Taylor Building ‘He has a complete mastery of planning law.’
James Strachan KC – 39 Essex Chambers ‘James is phenomenal, with a razor sharp mind. An exceptional cross examiner.’
Robert Walton KC – Landmark Chambers 'He is practical and solutions focused without sacrificing technical accuracy, soundness or robustness.'
Sasha White KC – Landmark Chambers 'Sasha is pure class.'  
2
Lord Banner KC – Keating Chambers 'His easy, confident approach disguises real attention to detail and intellectual rigour. His advocacy is crisp and well reasoned and he has a winning manner with the court.'
Michael Bedford KC –Cornerstone Barristers 'He is a master of detail and this, together with his encyclopaedic knowledge of planning law, makes him a formidable advocate.'
Alexander Booth KC – Francis Taylor Building ‘Alexander is an exceptional barrister. His advocacy stands out for its clarity, precision, and authority. He possesses a remarkable ability to distil complex legal issues into compelling arguments, making them accessible and persuasive to both clients and planning inspectors alike.’
Thomas Cosgrove KC –Cornerstone Barristers
Estelle Dehon KC – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Estelle is an impressive advocate. Her advocacy is passionate, thoughtful and reasoned.’
David Forsdick KC –Landmark Chambers ‘David thinks of solutions to problems that others do not. He understands the clients' needs totally. He is not afraid to take novel points of law if it is in the interests of the client.’
Richard Ground KC – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Richard is a strong advocate.’  
Richard Honey KC – Francis Taylor Building ‘Richard's advocacy is sharp and to-the-point.'
Paul Stinchcombe KC –39 Essex Chambers ‘Paul’s wealth of experience enables him to settle quickly on the most promising points. His preparation makes him nimble and adaptable as an advocate.’
Rupert Warren KC – Landmark Chambers
Jenny Wigley KC –Landmark Chambers ‘Jenny is able to create a cogent argument from dust. She is outstanding on her feet.'
Marc Willers KC –Garden Court Chambers ‘Marc has a very tactical mind. He gets to grips with complex planning cases quickly.'
Craig Howell Williams KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘His eye for detail, preparation and recall is phenomenal. He is an absolute joy to instruct and to work with.’
3
Paul Brown KC – Landmark Chambers
Douglas Edwards KC –Francis Taylor Building
James Findlay KC – Cornerstone Barristers ‘James is thorough in his preparation. He gives good, pragmatic advice.’
Andrew Fraser-Urquhart KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘Andrew gets into the nitty gritty to ensure he can present the most robust case for the client.’
Richard Glover KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘Richard is calm and authoritative. He can help clients navigate complex issues with ease and instils great confidence.’
Alex Goodman KC– Landmark Chambers ‘Alex delivers on time and is committed to his clients.’
Stephen Hockman KC –Six Pump Court ‘He is an excellent communicator. A technically brilliant KC.’
Gregory Jones KC – Francis Taylor Building 
Graeme Keen KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Graeme has significant strength and ability in seeing the bigger picture and providing detailed advice.'
Dan Kolinsky KC – Landmark Chambers 'His advocacy is incisive and authoritative.'
Gwion Lewis KC –Landmark Chambers
Scott Lyness KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Scott’s legal knowledge is exceptional, and he is able to apply it to complex factual situations in a practical and easily understood manner.’
James Pereira KC – Francis Taylor Building ‘James is a great team player who puts everyone at ease and navigates the unpredictable.’
Matthew Reed KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Matthew is a very user-friendly, approachable silk.'  
Saira Kabir Sheikh KC – Francis Taylor Building
Timothy Straker KC –4-5 Gray’s Inn Square
Andrew Tabachnik KC – 39 Essex Chambers ‘He is excellent to watch in cross examination.’
Andrew Tait KC –Francis Taylor Building 'Andrew is a very calm and confident advocate.'
Reuben Taylor KC – Landmark Chambers ‘He gives outstanding legal advice, and he is very down to earth and approachable.’
Stephen Tromans KC – 39 Essex Chambers
Richard Wald KC – 39 Essex Chambers  ‘A sound and thoughtful tactician with superb judgement. Richard is supremely bright and adaptable.'
David Wolfe KC –Matrix Chambers 'David is a true fighter, impervious to judicial brickbats.'
4
Simon Bird KC –Francis Taylor Building  
David Blundell KC– Landmark Chambers ‘David is a very well established planning silk. He is a committed and forceful advocate in court.’
Christopher Boyle KC – Landmark Chambers
Tim Buley KC– Landmark Chambers
Robert Griffiths KC –Six Pump Court
Thomas Hill KC  – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Thomas is extremely analytical. He leaves no stone unturned.’
Richard Humphreys KC – No5 Barristers’ Chambers
Meyric Lewis KC –Francis Taylor Building 'He is lovely to work with, and always provides sensible and pragmatic advice, which clients understand and appreciate.'
Melissa Murphy KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Melissa is an effective and thoughtful advocate. She brings rigorous legal analysis to her advice.’
Suzanne Ornsby KC –Francis Taylor Building
Paul Shadarevian KC –Cornerstone Barristers ‘Paul’s very thoughtful approach to the issues in hand, combined with his pragmatic advice, always gives clients confidence.’ 
John Steel KC – 39 Essex Chambers
Megan Thomas KC – Six Pump Court ‘Megan has a measured, strategic approach. She puts clients at ease.'
William Upton KC – Six Pump Court
Peter Village KC – 39 Essex Chambers
Guy Williams KC– Landmark Chambers

2024 Silks

Josef Cannon KC– Cornerstone Barristers ‘Josef is an exceptional advocate. His calm and persuasive style is effective, and he is a highly accomplished cross examiner.’
Richard Moules KC– Landmark Chambers ‘Sanguine and easy to work with, he gives practical and unflinching advice.’
Colin Thomann KC– 39 Essex Chambers
Richard Turney KC – Landmark Chambers ‘He is a superb lawyer.’
Mark Westmoreland Smith KC– Francis Taylor Building ‘Mark is excellent with clients, and is able to explain often complex legal points and concepts in a clear and succinct way. His advocacy style is measured but confident and he ensures that no points go left unaddressed, which engenders confidence in his clients.’

2025 Silks

Sasha Blackmore KC  –Landmark Chambers ‘Her advocacy is forceful and assured.’
Zack Simons KC –Landmark Chambers 'A respected practitioner.'
Harriet Townsend KC  – Cornerstone Barristers 'She takes a rigorous approach and gives confidence to the client.'

Leading Juniors

1
Wayne Beglan  –Cornerstone Barristers
James Burton – 39 Essex Chambers ‘He stands his ground against opponents and the bench.’
Celina Colquhoun  – 39 Essex Chambers  
Hugh Flanagan  – Francis Taylor Building ‘Hugh is a very experienced junior. He is commercial and pragmatic in his advice, and picks up tricky issues quickly.’  
Victoria Hutton – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Victoria's calm and measured style is very effective.'
Juan Lopez  –39 Essex Chambers ‘Juan is highly strategic and effective. He’s sharp and focused in cross-examination and while he likes to get to the detail, he doesn’t lose focus on the key points that matter and upon which he bases his closings.'
Ruchi Parekh  – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Ruchi is a fantastic team player, who is extremely committed to her clients.’
Heather Sargent  –Landmark Chambers ‘Heather is first-rate. She is unflappable, tremendously hard working and sanguine. A decisive barrister.'
Charles Streeten  –Francis Taylor Building 'Charles' grasp of detail is exceptional, and he is devastating on his feet.'
Isabella Tafur – Francis Taylor Building 'She has a first rate intellect and problem solving skills - her advocacy commands immediate respect from everyone present.'
Robert Williams  – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Robert is very quick thinking on his feet. He reads a court room well, thereby ensuring he is on point as required before the given judge.'
Christiaan Zwart – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Christiaan displays an exceptional ability to get to the heart of the matter fast. He consistently displays his unique steeliness and strategic thinking in cases with highly complex technical evidence.’
2
Mark Beard  – Six Pump Court
Ashley Bowes  – Landmark Chambers
Andrew Byass  –Landmark Chambers
Rebecca Clutten  – Francis Taylor Building ‘Rebecca's advocacy commands immediate respect with decision makers and in planning appeals.'
Leon Glenister –Landmark Chambers ‘He identifies the critical issues quickly even in complex matters, and sets them out clearly both in writing and on his feet in court. There is no grandstanding in his advocacy, which makes him a very effective advocate.’
Merrow Golden  – Francis Taylor Building 'She is incredibly hard-working and detail-focused.'
Robin Green  – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Robin is sharp. His advice is given confidently, and is pragmatic and easy for the lay client to follow. He is efficient and quick to respond. In court he is always on top of proceedings.’
Philippa Jackson  – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Her advocacy is not only very well delivered but hits on all the important points. She is extremely hard working and well prepared.'
Daniel Stedman Jones  – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Daniel’s advocacy is to the point. He can deliver a hard message for clients in a straightforward and understandable way without flinching from the unpalatable.’
Emmaline Lambert  – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Emmaline is conscientious and has an excellent eye for detail. As an advocate she well-prepared and tenacious without ever being overbearing. No matter how challenging the case may be, it is always a pleasure to work with Emmaline.’
Jacqueline Lean – Landmark Chambers ‘Jacqueline is exceptionally astute. She is someone you can trust to be able to deal with even the most unexpected points from the other side and be tenacious where necessary.’
Andrew Parkinson  – Landmark Chambers
Nina Pindham – Cornerstone Barristers
Anne Williams  – Six Pump Court ‘Anne is very personable and able to put people at their ease, particularly lay clients with little knowledge of the planning system. She quickly embraces case details.'  
3
Giles Atkinson – Six Pump Court ‘An expert in his field. He has an in-depth knowledge of the planning system.'
Richard Banwell  – Six Pump Court
Noémi Byrd – Six Pump Court ‘Noémi is an excellent junior. She is very approachable and responsive.'
Riccardo Calzavara – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Riccardo is a fierce and confident barrister. He is able to effectively pick at any small threads in the other party’s case and expose the flaws in their case with great skill.’
Matthew Dale-Harris  – Landmark Chambers ‘Matthew is highly intelligent, highly personable and a pleasure to work with.’
Caroline Daly  –Francis Taylor Building ‘Caroline’s ability to swiftly grasp intricate issues and her approachable, collaborative manner instils confidence in clients.'
Jonathan Darby  – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Jonathan has a great grasp of detail, and uses his considerable intelligence in an effective and practical way.’
Emma Dring  – Cornerstone Barristers
Ben Du Feu – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Ben is pragmatic and commercial. He provides timely, high quality legal advice, and he is approachable and congenial.'
Anjoli Foster  – Landmark Chambers
Michael Fry  –Francis Taylor Building ‘He is personable and well liked by both instructing solicitors and clients. A technically strong junior.’ 
Edward Grant – Cornerstone Barristers ‘A prepared barrister with a meticulous eye for detail, and he is excellent in mastering the important detail of complex cases.'
Nick Grant  – Landmark Chambers ‘Nick is really client friendly and very proactive. He has a quick turnaround and manages expectations really well. His advocacy is solid.’
Ned Helme – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Ned has a brilliant mind, and he is an excellent communicator, able to express the most complex arguments in a way that can be comprehensively understood.’
Howard Leithead – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Howard is very good at thinking outside the box and approaching issues from different angles. He is attentive with clients and his cross examination is masterful.'
Hashi Mohamed – Landmark Chambers ‘Hashi is an extremely approachable yet direct barrister. He gives advice in a straightforward manner, he has excellent communication skills, and it feels very much like a partnership when you work with him.’
Stephen Morgan – Landmark Chambers
James Neill – Landmark Chambers
Daisy Noble – Francis Taylor Building ‘Daisy is very responsive, firm when needed, and able to dissect difficult information for clients in an easy to understand way.’
Kate Olley – Francis Taylor Building
Jack Parker  – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Jack is always well prepared and has a calm, confident manner - he is never flustered. His advocacy is exceptional.'
Clare Parry – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Clare has complete mastery over her brief and papers. She is the epitome of being prepared yet pragmatic.’
John Pugh-Smith –39 Essex Chambers
Vivienne Sedgley  – 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square
Nicola Strachan  –Six Pump Court
Yaaser Vanderman– Brick Court Chambers ‘Yaaser is easy to work with and very astute. He is great with clients and accomplished in court.’
Ned Westaway  –Francis Taylor Building
Alex Williams – Francis Taylor Building ‘Alex is a highly skilled advocate. He is always quick to understand the issues and clients appreciate his succinct advice.’
4
Katherine Barnes  – 39 Essex Chambers
Brendan Brett – Francis Taylor Building
Leanne Buckley-Thomson – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘A considered and friendly barrister. She is extremely sharp.’
Isabella Buono – Landmark Chambers
Jonathan Clay  – Cornerstone Barristers
Stephen Cottle  – Garden Court Chambers
Stephanie David– 39 Essex Chambers 'An advocate with a very composed and serene demeanour.'
Mark Davies – Six Pump Court
Olivia Davies– Cornerstone Barristers ‘Olivia is passionate and driven. She takes pride in her work and is determined to present the best case possible for her clients.'
Sioned Davies – No5 Barristers’ Chambers
Catherine Dobson  - Matrix Chambers
Esther Drabkin-Reiter  – Francis Taylor Building ‘Esther is a confident advocate, with a great command of the details and facts.’
Toby Fisher – Matrix Chambers
John Fitzsimons– Cornerstone Barristers ‘John is personable, client-friendly, and shows sound judgment. He has a good perspective on what the client is seeking to achieve and is adaptable to circumstances.'
Sam Fowles – 39 Essex Chambers  ‘He has a very thorough and clear manner, and he is knowledgeable on planning law.’
Matthew Fraser – Landmark Chambers ‘A truly excellent planning barrister. He has a great combination of understanding, judgement and approachability.’
Ben Fullbrook – Landmark Chambers ‘He consistently identifies nuanced points others might overlook. He can hold his own alongside much more senior counsel.’
Alexander Greaves – Francis Taylor Building ‘Alex is a clear, persuasive and measured advocate.’
Rose Grogan – 39 Essex Chambers 'Rose is an expert in her field.'
Ruth Keating– 39 Essex Chambers 'Ruth goes the extra mile with each and every instruction.'
Ryan Kohli – Cornerstone Barristers 'The advice he offers is creative but sensible and always focussed on the desired outcome.'
George Mackenzie –Francis Taylor Building ‘George has an excellent knowledge of planning and highway law. He is a brilliant problem solver and takes a pragmatic approach to his work.'
Charles Merrett – Francis Taylor Building ‘Charles is an extremely clever and confident barrister.’
Cain Ormondroyd – Francis Taylor Building
Annabel Graham Paul –Francis Taylor Building
Asitha Ranatunga  – Cornerstone Barristers
Joel Semakula – Landmark Chambers
Stephen Whale  – Landmark Chambers

Rising Stars

Charles Bishop – Landmark Chambers 'He is articulate and can explain complex legal points very adeptly.'
Acland Bryant– Garden Court Chambers ‘Acland is an exceptionally talented junior.'
Odette Chalaby– Landmark Chambers ‘Odette always provides concise, direct and comprehensible advice. She is a calm and composed advocate.’
Rowan Clapp – Cornerstone Barristers 'A great advocate who provides tailored advice to clients.'
Flora Curtis – 39 Essex Chambers 'Flora has good judgement, and a manner that puts clients at ease.'
Michael Feeney– Francis Taylor Building ‘Michael is always approachable, diligent and reliable.’
Daniel Kozelko – 39 Essex Chambers ‘A meticulous junior with an incredible capacity for work.'
Lois Lane– Cornerstone Barristers ‘A junior of great dedication, thoroughness and commitment.'
Christopher Moss– 39 Essex Chambers 'A junior who provides clear, timely advice.’
Claire Nevin– Francis Taylor Building ‘Claire constructs robust arguments, and stays calm in the face of difficulties.’
Mark O'Brien O'Reilly – Francis Taylor Building
Harley Ronan– Landmark Chambers 'Harley is a very able, bright and diligent junior.'
Alex Shattock – Landmark Chambers 'A very dedicated junior who cuts through to the fundamental points rapidly and clearly.'
Gethin Thomas – 39 Essex Chambers
Joe Thomas– Landmark Chambers 'A skilled advocate who is adept at identifying the strengths and weakness of his clients' cases and putting them forward in the strongest way possible.'
Jake Thorold– 39 Essex Chambers ‘Jake is an extremely confident, measured and careful advocate.’
Jonathan Welch– Francis Taylor Building ‘A junior with good strategic vision.’

Planning in London Bar

Landmark Chambers


'Excellent planning set' Landmark Chambers is home to 'a strong and deep collection of barristers with expertise in housing, planning and other commercial development matters'. The team has a solid track record in advising on a broad spectrum of complex planning matters, often appearing in high-profile planning disputes. David Elvin KC appeared before the Supreme Court in a case involving a challenge to the environmental assessment of planning permission for an oil extraction project and the impact of downstream effects on the environment. Jenny Wigley KC is 'quick-thinking and agile in her advocacy', while the 'decisive' Heather Sargent 'advocates with clarity and precision'. In a boost to chambers, Sasha Blackmore KC and Zack Simons KC both took silk in March 2025.

Referenzen

‚Outstanding clerks.‘

‚Ben Connor is accessible and efficient.‘

‚Michael Gooch is always super helpful and responsive.‘





39 Essex Chambers


Described as 'a top planning set', 39 Essex Chambers' team continues to handle a high volume of complex, prominent planning, environment and infrastructure cases in both the public and private sector. James Strachan KC is acting for the Secretary of State for Transport in ongoing proceedings concerning the proposed construction of a road tunnel under Stonehenge. Among the junior end of chambers, Juan Lopez represents developers and infrastructure clients in a wide range of planning cases, and Victoria Hutton brings extensive experience in advising on environmental and energy law matters.

Referenzen

‚Andrew Poyser knows his barristers inside out and always makes a strong recommendation.‘

‚ Andrew Poyser, Oliver York and Charlie Quant have been extremely helpful and responsive.‘

‚ Elliott Hurrell and Oliver York are excellent communicators.‘





Francis Taylor Building


Francis Taylor Building is ‘an exceptional planning set‘ with ‘excellent strength in depth, especially on infrastructure cases‘. The team brings extensive experience in representing local authorities and developers in high-profile, complex matters. Morag Ellis KC represented the London Borough of Camden in an application for a judicial review concerning planning permission for the redevelopment of a site within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, where several listed buildings are located. Elsewhere in chambers, Hereward Phillpot KC and Isabella Tafur appeared before the Supreme Court in R (Spitalfields Historic Building Trust) v Tower Hamlets LBC, concerning the limits of local planning authorities’ powers to restrict voting by councillors on planning applications via standing orders. Alex Williams joined the group in August 2025.

Referenzen

‚Paul Coveney is lovely to work with and James Kemp and Harry Killick provide a good service.‘

‚All of the clerking team are really helpful. James Kemp and Paul Coveney have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.‘

‚James Kemp is knowledgeable and approachable.‘





Cornerstone Barristers


Cornerstone Barristers is 'one of the leading sets for planning law work'. Members routinely advise public authorities and private clients in a wide range of matters, including complex development disputes, judicial reviews and major planning inquiries. Recent instructions for the group include Thomas Cosgrove KC representing Guildford Borough Council in a planning inquiry into a proposed residential development project on a site in the immediate vicinity of Guildford Cathedral, while Richard Ground KC appeared for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in a called-in planning inquiry concerning planning permission for the development of a prominent film studio within the Green Belt. Ruchi Parekh has 'considerable expertise in planning and environmental law'. Harriet Townsend KC took silk in March 2025.

Referenzen

‚Daryl Hughes and his team are great to work with.‘

‚Daryl Hughes‘ service has been exemplary – timely and highly efficient.‘

‚Daniel Gatt is a delight to work with – always helpful and accommodating.‘





Six Pump Court


Six Pump Court's team has 'a wide range of expertise in planning and environmental law'. Stephen Hockman KC has an excellent track record in handling cases concerning environmental issues, and recently acted as counsel to a major steel producer regarding allegations of dust nuisance. Turning to the juniors, Noémi Byrd represented the claimant in McLeish v Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a Court of Appeal case concerning the issue of the legal ramifications of an apparent error on an original, definitive map of public rights of way.

Referenzen

‚Ryan Barrow is a very friendly and efficient clerk.‘

‚Ryan Barrow is excellent in communication, resolving queries swiftly and offering high levels of client care. ‚

‚The clerks are very friendly, personable and quick to assist.‘