Acting on its own as well as often in conjunction with the firm’s Birmingham office, the ‘personable and responsive’ team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides ‘efficient and effective’ planning advice to developers on large-scale developments throughout the UK. The team is particularly adept at handling Wales-specific matters where it has deep knowledge of the intricacies and differences associated with Welsh devolved planning law. As well as handling transport and utilities-related matters, the team is particularly skilled at handling major renewable energy projects, where it is appreciated for its ‘wider understanding of relevant issues facing energy developers’. Principal associate Stephen Jefferson has ‘an excellent understanding of the sector’ and has been particularly active of late advising developers through the nascent Development of National Significance (DNS) Regime which governs the process for large-scale onshore wind and solar projects in Wales. Senior associate Gareth Davies co-heads the team alongside Jefferson and is particularly effective at providing strategic planning advice relating to data centres and residential developments.

Particularly adept at handling high-profile Wales-based planning matters for public sector clients and also active for local authorities in England, Geldards LLP is a clear market leader, regularly providing the planning advice on many of the most strategically important mandates. 'Exceptionally strong' team head Charles Felgate draws upon 'decades of practical experience' and is effective at handling high-profile contentious matters, as demonstrated by his recent high-profile victory before the Supreme Court for a Welsh national park, which affirmed the Court of Appeal decision that found against allowing further developments pursuant to the original historical planning permission. Senior associate Tomos Phillips is also recommended and has particular expertise in advising local authorities on compulsory purchase order (CPO)-related matters.

Emphasising ‘a holistic, forward-thinking and team-oriented approach’ which combines real estate and planning expertise, the ‘highly skilled’ team at Acuity Law provides a one-stop-shop service to stakeholders seeking to complete on large-scale developments in the most efficient manner. The ‘exceptional’ Steve Morris has strong ties with a plethora of leading developers, public sector entities and financiers, and is conversant across a range of planning matters as part of his broad-based real estate skill set. Bristol-based consultant James Ryan is 'approachable and knowledgeable' and regularly aids clients in gaining Secretary of State consent for works, as well as advising on contentious matters.

Forming part of the broader real estate offering which is led by Peter Hurn, Hugh James provides 'very diligent and responsive' advice to public sector entities, developers and housing associations on the environmental and planning issues involved in the successful completion of transactions in sectors including energy, utilities and infrastructure. Hurn has recently handled numerous renewable energy mandates, including advice to key client Welsh Water on the environmental issues related to proposed hydroelectric schemes. 'Professional, diligent and knowledgeable' senior associate Shelley Thomas has 'significant experience in commercial and planning issues', including in the context of advice to large-scale consortiums and to developers on village green matters.