Brodies LLP has ‘strength in depth’ in its planning practice, advising housebuilders, private clients and energy corporations alike. The team has expertise with mixed-use development applications, appealing refused planning permission applications and Section 75 agreements. Department head Neil Collar ‘wrote the book on planning law’ and is particularly experienced in environmental impact assessments, contributing to his strong track record in the renewable energy sector. Elaine Farquharson-Black is known for her housebuilding expertise, while Karen Hamilton‘s broad practice encompasses local city councils and transportation companies. George Sismey-Durrant ‘is a star in the making’, while Niall McLean leads the firm’s contentious planning offering.

Adopting a ‘personable yet professional’ approach, Shepherd and Wedderburn handles the full spectrum of planning matters, advising retail companies, property developers and energy companies. Colin Innes leads the practice, which has established experience in offshore wind farm development and urban regeneration projects. Innes is noted for his advocacy and has recently advised on contentious matters and public inquiries. Ewan MacLeod is particularly well known for his work in the retail sector, while Fraser Mitchell is heavily involved in residential development matters. Emma Paton left the team in May 2024, whilst Craig Whelton joined the team from Burges Salmon LLP in July 2024.

CMS is well-regarded for its assistance with renewable energy ventures, and advises local government bodies and handles real estate regeneration projects. Led by Mark McMurray and Robin Hutchison, the team excels at offering environmental advice, assisting with judicial reviews and promoting compulsory purchase orders. McMurray has experience with heritage planning and has a strong track record with flood protection schemes, while Hutchison regularly advocates in public inquiries and drafts consent orders. Kathryn Nolin has cross-border expertise, helping foreign authorities draft and develop renewable energy legislation.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts has a strong track record in both the public and private sectors, listing local councils, public authorities, construction companies and energy corporations as part of the planning team’s varied client base. Department lead Douglas Milne has established experience in local public inquiries, commercial development projects, and residential property planning. Kenneth Carruthers uses his real estate expertise in judicial review challenges and other contentious matters. The team is bolstered by Rory Alexander, who is noted for his advice to local councils on contested housing developments, and Cameron Greig, who has a strong track record in compulsory purchase compensation claims.

Addleshaw Goddard offers clients ‘distinct and easy to follow advice’, demonstrating particular strength in energy, infrastructure and commercial property matters. Department head Sarah Baillie is praised as ‘an expert in her field’, assisting with project consent strategy, the negotiation of planning agreements and judicial reviews. Fiona Gordon is noted for her capabilities in housebuilding and environmental matters.

The planning practice at Burges Salmon LLP is heavily involved in the development of offshore wind farms, carbon capture projects and other renewable energy initiatives. The ‘extremely capable’ Patrick Munro has recently been involved in a high-profile energy public inquiry. Craig Whelton left the firm in July 2024.

The planning and environment team at Burness Paull LLP maintains ‘a strong profile’ in the housebuilding, energy and public sectors. Department head Alasdair Sutherland is well regarded for his contentious planning expertise, and is also well equipped to advise on consent orders, Section 75 agreements and regulatory matters. Other key names in the team include Steven Stewart and Emma Dewar, and Emma Paton joined the firm from Shepherd and Wedderburn in May 2024.

Colin Hamilton spearheads the planning group at Gillespie Macandrew LLP, which handles the full range of energy development work. The team is well equipped to handle compulsory purchase orders, environmental impact assessments and contentious planning matters, while Hamilton is heavily involved in planning legislative reform. The ‘excellent’ Sandy Telfer assists housebuilders and public bodies, obtaining permission for large mixed-use developments.

Pinsent Masons LLP is noted for its capabilities in the offshore wind sector, assisting with the development of major domestic projects. Gary McGovern is a key name in the team, bringing longstanding experience in energy, infrastructure and environmental work. Gordon McCreath‘s expertise extends to transportation and water infrastructure, and he regularly drafts successful Section 36 applications for domestic and cross-border projects.

The ‘very experienced’ Chris Devlin heads up Anderson Strathern‘s planning practice, which advises local councils and other public sector authorities on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Devlin has experience advocating in opposition to highly publicised planning applications, and also uses his public law expertise to assist clients whose developments receive governmental pushback. Alastair McKie has moved to a consultancy position.

The ‘exceptional’ Jacqueline Cook heads up the planning practice at Davidson Chalmers Stewart, which is active across the renewables sector and also handles the planning elements of masterplan, mixed-use and residential developments. Cook is experienced across the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious planning work, acting for a variety of developers, government bodies and funders. Consultant Caroline Court also contributes, particularly regarding development-related work.

Eversheds Sutherland has notable experience in renewable energy developments, offering strategic advice on Section 36 applications and Environmental Impact Assessment reviews. Department chair James Gibson is an energy specialist and has recently worked on renewables-related judicial reviews. He is supported by Peter Nesbit and Jeraldine McNally.

Harper Macleod LLP offers ‘practical and useful’ advice to renewable energy clients, local councils and public entities on both contentious and non-contentious planning matters. The department is jointly led by Peter Ferguson, who leverages extensive environmental and offshore wind expertise in his practice, and Jennifer Jack, who frequently advises clients on judicial reviews, appeals and public inquiries.

The ‘knowledgeable’ Fraser Gillies leads the planning team at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, which frequently advises on compliance matters, environmental issues, Section 75 obligations and contentious disputes. Gillies is also active in the renewables sector, notably the onshore wind space. Nicola Martin is also recommended for matters relating to the development consenting regime.