Showcasing ‘unrivalled experience’ in major regeneration schemes and land acquisitions, Pinsent Masons LLP regularly advises local councils, government bodies, and environmental agencies. The firm has a strong track record in renewable energy projects, particularly surrounding solar and carbon capture power, alongside overseeing complex highways schemes. Lucy Thomas heads the Birmingham planning team, specialising in compulsory purchase orders and infrastructure agreements, while Heidi Slater is an expert on the planning and land assembly aspects of high-profile initiatives. Ian Gilbey focuses on mixed-use development schemes, while Sophie Carlile and Matthew Fox are also highlighted for their work with master developers and energy clients.

Handling all elements of high-profile rail infrastructure projects and joint ventures within the renewable energy sphere, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is hailed for its ‘punchy, pragmatic, and commercial approach’ by its domestic and international client-base. The practice has considerable expertise in advising on compulsory purchase orders and DCOs, predominantly concerning redevelopments and transport schemes on behalf of local governments. Paul Maile heads the team from Birmingham and is a specialist in strategic residential development projects, while Martin Jeffrey focuses on compulsory acquisitions. Kate Radford and Naomi Bull are also cited as key figures within the practice.

Headed up by Toni Weston and Vicky Fowler, Gowling WLG is regarded for its ‘very considered and careful approach’ when assisting on the whole spectrum of planning law, compulsory purchase, and development consent orders. The group is especially experienced in residential development and regeneration schemes, with the team’s expertise extending to Section 106 agreements and planning appeals. In Birmingham, Weston primarily acts for housebuilders and commercial operators, specialising in all aspects of highways and infrastructure initiatives. Cairo Nickolls and Richard Thurling are also recommended.

With considerable experience in advising on section 106 agreements, land acquisitions, and DCOs, Shoosmiths LLP is renowned for the ‘high level of service’ it provides to national trusts and London boroughs. The group also regularly acts for consortia of land promoters. Will Thomas, who leads the Midlands-based offering, is an expert in complex planning appeals and High Court challenges, in addition to defending judicial review challenges brought against local planning authorities. Chloe Mulhall is highlighted for her knowledge of statutory agreements. Tim Willis left the firm in April 2024.

With an extensive track record in complex traffic management measures and compulsory purchase orders, Browne Jacobson LLP represents an array of clients, including non-departmental public bodies and housing associations. From Birmingham, Richard Barlow and Laura Hughes co-lead the outfit; Barlow focuses on judicial review proceedings, while Hughes is a specialist planning lawyer. Ben Standing concentrates on environmental law issues, and Andrew Hopkin is a regulatory specialist.

With Anna Cartledge and Paul Wakefield at the helm, Shakespeare Martineau LLP routinely assists major developers and housebuilders with section 106 agreements and judicial review proceedings. Based in Birmingham, Cartledge is highly knowledgeable in handling development consent orders and residential development schemes. Simon Stanion consistently supports local planning authorities in relation to contentious development proposals, while Solihull-based Rachael Coulsting is also recommended.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys specialises in advising on section 106 agreements and complex redevelopment schemes, representing a mix of investment owners and landowners. Based in Ross-on-Wye, team leader Laura Greenman has considerable experience in judicial review claims, as well as in compulsory purchase issues. Kara Roberts, an expert in highways and planning enforcement proceedings, is also recommended.

Showing vast expertise in development consent orders, section 106 agreements, and judicial review claims over planning permission, Wright Hassall LLP consistently represents housebuilders and local planning authorities. In Leamington Spa, practice head Rebecca Mushing, praised for ‘always going the extra mile’, frequently advises on complex mixed-use development sites. Linda Boateng is also recommended.

Specialising in major urban regenerations and the planning aspects of acquisitions, Deloitte LLP  is routinely called upon for its expertise in section 106 agreements and planning enforcement matters. The firm also showcases knowledge in the waste management sphere. In Birmingham, Helen Andrews and Duncan Williams co-lead the team, each focusing on the handling of development projects and statutory challenges.

Splitting her time between Shrewsbury, Telford, and Wolverhampton, Suzanne Tucker leads the FBC Manby Bowdler planning team, specialising in refusals of planning permission and judicial reviews. The wider team is particularly well-versed in highways improvement schemes and complex section 106 agreements.

Advising on major planning initiatives and land acquisitions, the ‘excellent’ Fieldfisher LLP practice fields specialists in planning, environmental, and real estate law. The firm regularly handles section 106 agreements on behalf of residential developers, with Birmingham-based head Sue Simpson specialising in both regeneration and redevelopment projects. The ‘very collaborative’ Dinah Patel and Rosa Simson are also recommended.

Demonstrating strong judicial review expertise, often before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, The Wilkes Partnership is routinely called upon to advise major NHS trusts and developers. From Birmingham, the ‘bright, determined, competitive and commercial’ Leenamari Aantaa-Collier heads the practice, noted for her expertise in planning obligations and injunctions, while Alexandra Hastings-Smith is noted for her focus on section 106 agreements.