Planning is entering a pivotal phase.With a new government in place and reforms underway, the planning system is undergoing significant change - amplified by persistent supply-demand imbalances across the real estate market. Developers, housebuilders, investors, funders and strategic land promoters are navigating shifting policy, legislative updates and the viability pressures this can bring.

Shoosmiths helps clients unlock development success. We advise on all aspects of planning, highways and compulsory purchase law, supporting clients across the UK on projects that shape places and communities. Our national team brings deep expertise in strategic land, master planning, infrastructure agreements, environmental law and delivery. We provide commercially focused advice on assembly, viability and risk, helping clients respond to change with confidence. Recognised as a top three UK planning law firm, we combine technical excellence with real-world understanding - partnering with clients to realise their ambitions and deliver impact.

Recent experience

• supported Watkin Jones in securing its plans for The Àrd – a 784-bed purpose-built student accommodation led mixed-use development in Glasgow

• advising on a series of regeneration projects across the North West of England that will transform disused playing fields into new communities

• providing specialist planning advice to BlueCastle Capital in relation to its acquisition of the former Marks & Spencer flagship store in Birmingham, paving the way for a new major BTR scheme

• representing the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and the Land, Planning and Development Federation (LPDF) in the landmark nutrient neutrality planning litigation case heard in the Supreme Court, impacting delivery of 44,000 homes nationally

• providing planning support to Housing Growth Partnership in relation to a £145m joint venture with JRL Group to deliver Luton’s first institutional (BTR) scheme