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Howes Percival ranked among the top 20 planning law firms in the UK

Howes Percival ranked among the top 20 planning law firms in the UK

Howes Percival has been ranked sixteenth in a survey of leading planning law firms in the UK.  Planning Magazine's 2020 Planning Law Survey, which is usually dominated by larger London-based law firms, also identifies Howes Percival as a firm with a ‘growing reputation'.   

The Planning Law Survey is an in-depth report highlighting the solicitors, law firms and barristers that are considered the leading planning law specialists in the UK. The results of the survey are based on responses from planning consultants, barristers and developers. 

Howes Percival, which has offices across East Anglia and the East Midlands, has been ranked sixteenth, a rise of 14 places from its 2019 position at thirtieth.  The firm is one of only three law firms without a London office to be included in the top 16 of the country's highest rated planning law firms.   

Howes Percival's recent planning work includes advising Breckland District Council in relation to a 4,000 home sustainable urban extension, commercial development and a link road in Norfolk; acting for CK Properties in respect of the Epping Forest Local Plan examination; advising Code Living in relation to the tallest building in Yorkshire; advising Hampton Brook (UK) Limited on a strategic employment site of around 200,000 square meters and advising Palace Green Homes in connection with a large residential scheme in Kennett. 

Paul Wootton, Partner and Head of Howes Percival's Planning Team and Development Sector, commented:

"We are delighted to be recognised in the 2020 Planning Law Survey as one of the leading planning law firms in the country.  Breaking into the top 20 is a fantastic achievement and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and the great clients we have.  London-based firms usually dominate the Planning Law Survey so we're punching well above our weight. 

"The commercial property sector is a core market for Howes Percival.  As well as nurturing talent within, we've recruited senior level experts to ensure we have the specialisms and depth of expertise to service the planning law requirements of our clients and attract high quality work. 

"Our aim is to be one of the foremost National planning law practices, so, it's especially pleasing to see the quality of our work recognised with a top 20 ranking in The Planning Law Survey, which is based on peer-led interviews and feedback."  

Paul Wootton continued:

"In these challenging times, commercial property has a vital role in leading the economic recovery.  Development generally, and the delivery of housing delivery in particular, remain absolutely critical political and economic issues. 

"The current climate creates numerous opportunities for those of us involved in the planning process to get sites ready for development whether that is through the securing of new planning permissions, discharging planning conditions, renegotiating planning obligations or promoting sites through Local Plan processes.  

"Local Planning Authorities now have a legal framework which enables them to continue making planning decisions and we know from our own experiences that many of them are embracing the challenges faced.  It's never been more important for us all to stay positive and ensure that the economic fallout is as short-lived as possible." 

Howes Percival's property experts act for major housebuilders, retailers, construction companies, landowners, housing associations, developers and public authorities as well as private individuals and businesses and cover everything from land promotion and planning through to plot sales and dispute resolution.  

The firm's comprehensive commercial property service covers planning and environmental law, minerals and waste, compulsory purchase, village greens, development including strategic land acquisitions, the management of real estate portfolios, property finance, leases and other landlord and tenant matters, property litigation and construction contracts and disputes. 

Howes Percival is ranked as a top-tier firm for Planning and Environment in one of the UK's leading guide to law firms, the Legal 500. 

For more information on Howes Percival's planning team visit: www.howespercival.com/services/planning/ 


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