Ward Hadaway LLP’s planning team combines planning lawyers, chartered town planners and planning technicians, offering full-service expertise across sectors including the public, commercial, development and heritage spaces. The team advises on applications, appeals, enforcement, High Court challenges and development plans, and is especially strong in residential developments, acting for housebuilders and registered providers. Kamran Hyder leads the team, specialising in planning, highways and compulsory purchase law, with extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Frank Orr supports clients across the planning spectrum, with notable experience in regeneration and compulsory purchase matters, acting for local authorities and developers.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP maintains a strong presence in the North, advising clients across the energy, waste, transport and residential development sectors. The team supports statutory consultees, affected landowners, local authorities and public bodies, offering comprehensive guidance on planning and environmental law. In Newcastle, Francesca Hodgson advises on complex environmental compliance and regulation, while Stephen Dagg brings particular expertise in highways, public rights of way and major infrastructure projects, heading the planning team with a broad remit across the planning and NSIP landscape.