Development Consent Orders and Infrastructure

We have barristers of all seniorities involved in large infrastructure proposals.

Our barristers act for developers and interested parties in a range of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), either supporting the promotion of Development Consent Orders (DCOs) pursuant to the Planning Act 2008 or assisting in the response or objection to such orders.

Our barristers advise and represent those same parties in the courts when DCOs are made or refused, and it is concluded such a decision should be challenged by way of judicial review.

Not all infrastructure proposals are defined as NSIPs and, in most such instances, will be subject to consideration under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Our barristers regularly act for developer applicants in large infrastructure planning projects. Our barristers also advise local planning authorities in their role as decision-makers and third parties and statutory consultees concerned with the impact of such schemes.

In addition, our barristers have particular expertise in promoting large transport projects through bills of parliament and by way of orders under the Transport and Works Act 1990.

Our barristers act for renewable energy providers (in particular, solar farms and wind turbines) as well as those seeking to object or make representations about such schemes. This is whether schemes are subject to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or the Planning Act 2008.

Our barristers also act for the nuclear industry and energy providers as well as those providing other forms of energy generation or electricity storage and connection as well as energy from water. We also act for those opposed to or seeking to make representations about such schemes.

Some of our barristers are experts in aviation and airport development and rail and water industry-related projects, including sewers and drains.

Our barristers act in planning inquiries and NSIP examinations and before the courts of England and Wales.

Some of our barristers also act in other jurisdictions, such as Northern Ireland, Hong Kong and the Caribbean.