Richard is a partner and leads the UK Planning team, as well as heading up the National Compulsory Purchase and Compensation team. He has particular experience of representing clients involved with the development of major infrastructure projects. He regularly advises utility companies in relation to applications for consent relating to the development of overhead distribution lines and generation plant, both renewable and conventional. He has handled many applications for compulsory wayleaves and has been involved in the preparation for and the coordination of wayleave hearings, acting as advocate at many such hearings.
He regularly advises clients on the form and content of complex planning applications and environmental statements, as well as acting as advocate at planning inquiries, following refusal or non-determination of applications by local planning authorities. Richard has practical experience of conducting lengthy planning inquiries, including advising on proofs of evidence, coordinating large inquiry teams and instructing and assisting leading and junior counsel, when he is not acting as advocate himself. He has public inquiry advocacy experience in respect of a wide range of projects and developments, from wind farm and biomass projects to housing schemes.
Richard also specialises in providing advice to private and public sector clients on compulsory purchase and compensation related matters. He represents acquiring authorities and claimants on all aspects of the compulsory purchase process, from promoting and/or objecting to Orders through to bringing and defending claims for compensation in the Lands Chamber of the Upper Tribunal.
His clients include EDF, Electricity North West, Leeds City Council, Lidl, Marshalls plc, SP Manweb, Northern Powergrid and Western Power.
As quoted in Chambers UK 2018, Richard “is very personable, puts his client’s best interests first and explains matters clearly, providing good practical advice" and the latest edition of The Legal 500 UK quotes a client as saying his “depth of knowledge, presentation skills and experience are key factors in clients’ success”.
