Dickinson Dees handles significant planning projects nationwide. Recent highlights include advising an NHS trust on the redevelopment of a number of redundant hospital sites and providing planning advice on major development sites in Tyne and Wear, Hampshire and Sussex for Arriva, Bellway plc and Northumbria University. Paul Finch heads the team. Ward Hadaway is unusual in having a team of five chartered town and country planners at its disposal. Neil Robson heads the planning team, which regularly handles compulsory purchase orders and advice on the planning implications of major commercial and residential projects. Robert Muckle LLP's "efficient" two-partner practice continues to garner impressive instructions, advising Sunderland Arc - the urban regeneration company for the Tees Valley - on issues arising out of the regeneration, and also acting for Asda in settling planning and infrastructure agreements for various retail developments throughout the UK. Jonathan Combe heads the team. Bryan Riley at Watson Burton LLP has considerable expertise in planning and environmental matters. A diverse client base includes public sector bodies, utilities and developers. In 2005, the team acted in a land tribunal case for compensation to a landowner, which was settled successfully. Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP's planning practice was boosted by the arrival of Steve Barker, former head of planning and environment at Stockton Borough Council. Steve Hesmondhalgh heads the team, which includes five town planners. The team regularly advises on major planning and development projects, with recent examples including the planning submission for a £6m ecopark and land restoration works in Teesside. Marian Griffiths, who splits her time between Leeds and Newcastle, heads a productive planning team at Eversheds LLP, which has particular expertise in compulsory purchase work, as well as advising on urban regeneration and development projects. An impressive client list includes English Partnerships, One NorthEast, City of Sunderland Council and Newcastle International Airport. --------------------------------------------------------- Planning Dickinson Dees, Newcastle Ward Hadaway, Newcastle Robert Muckle LLP, Newcastle Watson Burton LLP, Newcastle Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP, Darlington Burnetts, Carlisle Eversheds LLP, Newcastle Hay & Kilner, Newcastle Hayton Winkley Kendal, Kendal Mincoffs Solicitors LLP, Newcastle Punch Robson, Middlesbrough Firms are listed A-Z within tiers |