Major infrastructure matters

Mapping our experience in securing consents and planning permissions, and advising on the UK’s largest and most complex schemes

As a developer, you're looking for flexible, implementable and fit-for-purpose consents for your project.

From development consent to transport and works act orders, our industry experience runs deep throughout the development and infrastructure sectors.

This in-depth perspective means you'll benefit from clear, practical and cost-efficient advice. And the proof? It's in our experience. 

If you want to see the infrastructure projects we've worked on, simply hover over the map to discover our DCO project locations, and click on the case studies to find out how we've made an impact.

1
Port of Blyth New Biomass
Advising the promoter on this project, comprising a new 99.9 MW generating station.
2
Net Zero, Teesside
Acting for two chemical manufacturing companies affected by the proposed Net Zero Teesside development consent order, for the development of a gas-fired power station with carbon capture, and the hub of a decarbonised group of industries on Teesside who will share the CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure. Our work has involved making representations to the examination to seek to secure protective provisions so that our clients' business can continue uninhibited.
3
Tees Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) Project
Advising on the development consent application for the construction, operation and maintenance of a gas-fired 1.2Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) with a capacity of up to 1,700 Mwes.
5
North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park (Solar 21)
Advising on an development consent order application for a Green Energy Park in Lincolnshire. The client is seeking to deliver a comprehensive scheme, which includes an Energy Recovery Facility capable of converting up to 760,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste into 95 MW of electricity at its heart with carbon capture, utilisation and storage, a heat network connecting to a nearby housing development, alongside battery storage and hydrogen fuel storage. Their aim is to deliver low carbon energy where all steam and some carbon from the energy from waste facility is captured and used.
6
Knottingley Power Project
Advising on the development consent application for a 1500 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power station and associated infrastructure.
7
Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Power Station
Advising an interested party on this project for a new two-reactor plant.
8
Meaford Energy Centre
Advising an interested party (statutory undertaker) to secure protective provisions relating to this combined cycle gas turbine power station.
9
Triton Knoll Electrical System
Advising on this project, comprising Electrical System works which will include: onshore and offshore buried export cables and associated works; an intermediate electrical compound to provide voltage stability and compensate for electrical losses; and a substation located in the vicinity of the grid connection point. These works are required to transmit the electricity generated by the consented Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm to the National Grid.
10
Willington C Gas Pipeline
Advising an interested party (statutory undertaker) on this project; comprising a 27 km long gas pipeline, with an above ground installation at the start point to secure protective provisions and avoid the use of compulsory acquisition powers.
11
The Sizewell C Project
Advising an interested party (special category land owner) on the development consent application to deliver a new nuclear power station, with the advice covering appropriate mitigation.
12
Bradwell B New Nuclear Power Station
Advising an interested party on the development consent application to deliver a new nuclear power station capable of generating up to 2.2GW of electricity.
13
Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay
Advising an interested party on the development consent application for this project and associated electricity generating infrastructure with a nominal capacity of 240MW.
14
Riverside Energy Park
For this development consent application, advising a third party.
15
Wheelabrator Kemsley Generating Station (K3)
Advising an interested party on this project, comprising a power upgrade and increase in tonnage throughput to the existing Kemsley Generating Station (K3). This will allow for generation of up to 75MW.
16
Hinkley Point C New Nuclear Power station
Advising an interested party on the proposed new nuclear power station, with two nuclear reactors capable of generating a total of up to 3,260MW of electricity at Hinkley Point C and associated development.
17
Hinkley Point C Connection
Advising an interested party on the new National Grid overhead Lines connector.
18
Fosse Green Energy
Advising on the development consent application for the this scheme which comprises the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, associated electrical equipment, cabling and on-site energy storage facilities together with grid connection infrastructure. The anticipated capacity is approximately 320MW.
19
Huntspill Energy Park site
Advising on the promotion of a compulsory purchase order to deliver an access road to facilitate the redevelopment of the Huntspill Energy Park.
20
Lawrence Weston Community Wind Scheme
Advising Ambition Community Energy (ACE), a community interest company set up by local resident-driven charity Ambition Lawrence Weston, on its successful planning application for a 150m-tall, 4.2 megawatt onshore wind turbine in Avonmouth, near Bristol. Guiding ACE through the full planning process with planning strategy, funding considerations, and environmental implications associated with their planning application. Believed to be the tallest onshore wind turbine consented in England it is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 4000 homes a year and was eventually granted consent in August 2020.
21
Sellafield nuclear installation
Advising on planning and property matters related to Sellafield nuclear installation. This involves the management of nuclear waste facilities, projects funded from the world renowned Sellafield radioactive activities, as well as advising on long term geological disposal of radioactive waste and the development of the Government's new programme on the promotion of advanced modular nuclear facilities.
23
Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project
We advised on the Morocco-UK Power Project. This proposed to supply the UK with renewable energy generated from a solar, wind and battery facility located in North Africa and transported via 4,000km of subsea cable to the UK, North Devon.
1
Dogger Bank Teesside A / Sofia Offshore Wind Farm (formerly Dogger Bank Teesside B)
Objecting to the electricity transmission cables development consent order for SABIC and Huntsman to secure protective provisions.
2
Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm
Advising an interested party on the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
4
Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm
Advising on the development consent application for the construction and operation of up to 288 wind turbine generators, offshore substations, meteorological stations and underwater cabling to connect the turbines and substations.
8
East Anglia THREE Offshore Wind Farm
Advising on the development consent application for an offshore windfarm; with an approximate capacity of 1200MW off the coast of East Anglia, within the area known as Zone 5 under the Round 3 Offshore Wind Licensing Arrangements.
9
Galloper Offshore Wind Farm
Advising an interested party (statutory undertaker) on the development consent application to deliver a new offshore wind farm with the advice covering appropriate mitigation and protection for the statutory undertaker's assets.
10
Thanet Extension Offshore Wind Farm
Advising on the development consent application for this offshore generating station, with a capacity of up to 340MW.
11
Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm
Advising on the development consent application for this proposed offshore wind farm in the Bristol Channel.
12
Navitus Bay Wind Park
Advising on the development consent application to construct and operate the proposed Navitus Bay Wind Park.
1
York Potash Harbour Facilities Order
Objecting to the Harbour Facilities Development Consent Order for SABIC and Huntsman to secure protective provisions.
2
Able Marine Energy Park
Advising an interested party on this project; comprising a quay of solid construction on the south bank of the River Humber, together with an ecological compensation scheme of both temporary and permanent habitat creation on the opposite bank.
3
West Midlands Interchange
Advising an interested party on this project, comprising an intermodal freight terminal.
4
A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down – Judicial Review (DCO)
Advising Historic England on their involvement as the Second Interested Party to the A303 Stonehenge Judicial Review Proceedings. This included the filing of acknowledgement of Service, responses to multiple applications from third parties in relation to varying the grounds of challenge and expediting the proceedings, as well as advice leading to the submission of Detailed Grounds of Resistance with hearings in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
5
Cambridge South East Transport project
Advising the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership (GCP) to secure Transport and Works Act Orders on two rapid transit schemes. The first scheme is a High Quality Public Transport (HQPT) service to operate between A11 / A1307 junction (near Babraham) and Cambridge. This scheme is known as the Cambridge South East Transport project (CSET).
6
The Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport Project
Advising the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership (GCP) to secure Transport and Works Act Orders on two rapid transit schemes. The second of these schemes is the HQPT service between Cambourne and Cambridge (CtoC). Both schemes are part of GCP's investment worth up to £1 billion over 15 years, to provide vital improvements in infrastructure, supporting and accelerating the creation of 44,000 new jobs, 33,500 new homes and 420 additional apprenticeships for the world renowned city region.
7
Waterbeach to Cambridge Scheme (W2C)
We are acting for the promoter of the transport and works act order for the W2C busway between the new town of Waterbeach and north Cambridge via Landbeach.
1
A160-A180 Port of Immingham Improvement
Objecting for Network Rail to secure protective provisions relating to widening works to the A160.
2
A46 Newark Bypass
Advising on the development consent application for this scheme. This will improve the bypass by widening 6.5km of the existing single carriageway to a dual carriageway, providing two lanes in each direction between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts near Newark-on-Trent. Provided detailed strategic advice to the project teams at pre-application stage, including environmental matters, compulsory purchase powers and negotiating protective provisions.
3
A47 Wansford to Sutton
Advising the applicant on their development consent application for the dualling of the A47 between the A1 and the dual carriageway section west of Peterborough. The scheme length is approximately 2.5km and creates a new slip road off the A1 south joining the A47 east.
4
A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme
In relation to this development consent application, advising third party on securing protective provisions.
5
Lake Lothing Third Crossing
In relation to this development consent application, advising third party on securing protective provisions.
6
A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Road Improvement Scheme
Advising on the development consent application for the construction of a new 19km of new Dual Carriageway, and Grade separated junctions.
7
A417 Missing Link
Advising a third party in relation to this development consent application for this scheme. This will provide a dual carriageway to improve the current “Missing Link” 5.5km section of single carriageway of the A417 between Cowley roundabout and Crickley Hill.
8
A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Scheme
Advising on the development consent order application for the widening of the A12 between Chelmsford (junction 19) and the A120 (junction 25) from two to three lanes in each direction; as well as a number of improvements and works to junctions as well as the creation of two bypasses.
9
M4 Junctions 3 to 12 Smart Motorway
Advising third party on securing protective provisions.
10
A27 Arundel Bypass
Advising on this scheme, which in the west, will tie in approximately 1km east of the A27/A29 Fontwell East roundabout to the west of Arundel. In the east, the proposed bypass will tie into the existing Crossbush Junction, which will be reconfigured.
11
Beddington North Transport for London Major Scheme
Advising on the promotion of a compulsory purchase order to deliver highway improvements along Beddington Lane as part of the Beddington North Transport for London Major Scheme. This will transform the character and public realm of key gateways in Beddington, including Beddington Village and Beddington Industrial Area. We guided the Council through the making of the CPO, advising on objections received and negotiations with objectors, preparation of evidence and through the inquiry.
12
Phase 3 of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor
Advising an interested party on the compulsory purchase order made by Sunderland City Council. Objecting to the CPO and negotiating a compromise agreement against the backdrop of that objection, limiting the land and rights that could be acquired and securing other concessions from the Council in relation to issues such as consultation and the design of the scheme. Negotiating a Deed of Variation to the compromise deed. Reworking the details of the deal between the parties. Acting on the associated CPO compensation payment.
13
A47 North Tuddenham to Easton
Early strategic planning advice on this scheme for the dualling of the single carriageway section of the A47 between Norwich and Dereham, linking together two existing sections of dual carriageway.
14
A47 Blofield to North Burlingham
Advising on the development consent application and defending judicial review claims for the dualling of the A47; to fill a gap in the dual carriageway section between Norwich and Acle Straight.
15
A47-A11 Thickthorn Junction
Improvement of the interchange between the A47 and A11, improving access into Norwich.
1
Redditch Branch Enhancement Scheme
Advising on the development consent application for this rail enhancement to create capacity along the single track to Redditch. The construction of a dynamic loop, consisting of approximately 3km of double track and 2 connections to the original track, allowing trains to pass one another.
2
Rail Central (Strategic Rail Freight Interchange)
Advising on the development consent order for an intermodal facility, comprising of up to 8 million sq ft of both rail-linked and rail-served warehousing, rail infrastructure (to include new sidings) and additional accompanying infrastructure.
4
Adoption of two bridges across the River Irwell associated with Ordsall Rail Chord project
Advising on dedication and adoption of two bridges across the River Irwell associated with Ordsall Rail Chord project. Our role included drafting and negotiating adoption agreements in relation to the Bridges and advising in relation to the interaction of the Agreements and the associated Transport and Works Act Order.
5
TransPennine Line The Network Rail (Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury) Improvements) Order
Advising on a Transport and Works Act 1992 Order ('TWAO') application to authorise the construction, maintenance and operation of works on the Transpennine Line between Huddersfield and Westtown (Dewsbury). This will include works to construct a new railway, and the upgrade and reconstruction of the existing railway, railway electrification works and associated works. Advice included on compulsory purchase powers to acquire Council land (including open space and other protected land).
6
North Doncaster Rail Chord (near Shaftholme)
Advising an interested party on this project; comprising the construction of a new 3.2 kilometre long twin track railway constructed partly on embankment and partly on a new 246 metre long viaduct.
7
Leeds to Micklefield scheme: Transport and Works Act order
We advised local councils in relation to the transport and works act order for the construction, enhancement, operation and maintenance of works on the TransPennine Line between York, Leeds and Manchester, forming part of the TransPennine Upgrade.
1
East Northants Resource Management Facility
Advising on the development consent application for the alteration of existing and the construction of new facilities for the recovery and disposal of hazardous waste and disposal of low level radioactive waste at the East Northants Resource Management Facility, Stamford Road, Northamptonshire.
2
East Northants Resource Management Facility (Western Extension)
Advising on the alteration of existing and the construction of new facilities for the recovery, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste and disposal of low level radioactive waste at the East Northants Resource Management Facility, Stamford Road, Northamptonshire.
1
Gatwick Airport Northern Runway
Advising an interested party on the development consent application for the amendment of Gatwick Airport. This will support dual runway operations through the routine use of the existing northern runway, whilst accommodating up to 74 million passengers per annum. The development will include amendments to taxiways, terminals and ancillary facilities, highways and rivers; as well as temporary construction works, mitigation works and other associated development.
3
Farnborough Airport
We are advising on the determination of a planning application seeking to increase the maximum aircraft movements including an increase in non weekday movements, an increase in the aircraft wight category and a request to amend a planning condition dealing with public safety zones.
4
Southend Airport
We advised on obligations relating to air traffic movements.
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Expandable Key

Energy
Click to expand
1 Port of Blyth New Biomass
2 Net Zero, Teesside
3 Tees Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) Project
4 Find out more
Yorkshire GREEN
5 North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park (Solar 21)
6 Knottingley Power Project
7 Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Power Station
8 Meaford Energy Centre
9 Triton Knoll Electrical System
10 Willington C Gas Pipeline
11 The Sizewell C Project
12 Bradwell B New Nuclear Power Station
13 Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay
14 Riverside Energy Park
15 Wheelabrator Kemsley Generating Station (K3)
16 Hinkley Point C New Nuclear Power station
17 Hinkley Point C Connection
18 Fosse Green Energy
19 Huntspill Energy Park site
20 Lawrence Weston Community Wind Scheme
21 Sellafield nuclear installation
22 Find out more
Gravity Smart Campus and Community
23 Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project
Offshore wind
Click to expand
1 Dogger Bank Teesside A / Sofia Offshore Wind Farm (formerly Dogger Bank Teesside B)
2 Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm
3 Case study
Burbo Bank Extension Offshore Wind Farm
4 Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm
5 Case study
Norfolk Boreas Offshore Wind Farm
6 Case study
Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm
7 Case study
East Anglia ONE Offshore Wind Farm
8 East Anglia THREE Offshore Wind Farm
9 Galloper Offshore Wind Farm
10 Thanet Extension Offshore Wind Farm
11 Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm
12 Navitus Bay Wind Park
13 Case study
Rampion Offshore Wind Farm
Transport
Click to expand
1 York Potash Harbour Facilities Order
2 Able Marine Energy Park
3 West Midlands Interchange
4 A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down – Judicial Review (DCO)
5 Cambridge South East Transport project
6 The Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport Project
7 Waterbeach to Cambridge Scheme (W2C)
Transport - road
Click to expand
1 A160-A180 Port of Immingham Improvement
2 A46 Newark Bypass
3 A47 Wansford to Sutton
4 A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme
5 Lake Lothing Third Crossing
6 A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Road Improvement Scheme
7 A417 Missing Link
8 A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Scheme
9 M4 Junctions 3 to 12 Smart Motorway
10 A27 Arundel Bypass
11 Beddington North Transport for London Major Scheme
12 Phase 3 of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor
13 A47 North Tuddenham to Easton
14 A47 Blofield to North Burlingham
15 A47-A11 Thickthorn Junction
Transport - rail
Click to expand
1 Redditch Branch Enhancement Scheme
2 Rail Central (Strategic Rail Freight Interchange)
3 Find out more
Portishead Branch Line - MetroWest Phase 1
4 Adoption of two bridges across the River Irwell associated with Ordsall Rail Chord project
5 TransPennine Line The Network Rail (Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury) Improvements) Order
6 North Doncaster Rail Chord (near Shaftholme)
7 Leeds to Micklefield scheme: Transport and Works Act order
Waste
Click to expand
1 East Northants Resource Management Facility
2 East Northants Resource Management Facility (Western Extension)
Aviation
Click to expand
1 Gatwick Airport Northern Runway
2 Find out more
Bristol Airport Expansion
3 Farnborough Airport
4 Southend Airport

Our work in numbers

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DCO projects in England and Wales

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Energy DCOs

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Transport DCOs

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Offshore wind DCOs

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Waste DCOs

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Transport and Country Planning Act Orders

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Local Development Order

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Compulsory Purchase Orders

"A significant amount of experience is required to provide advice at their standards. Minor nuances, which may appear insignificant to the lay person, are often important details which is when they really stand out."

Chambers and Partners

The judge praised the team's "breadth of legal work", commenting that "the issues involved across these high-profile projects is simply staggering".

Winners of Planning Law Firm of the Year, Planning Awards 2023

"The team is extremely knowledgeable, accessible and keen to find solutions to complex planning, transport, environmental and legal issues."

Chambers and Partners

"A marvellous team. Hugely focused on client care. Their clients are at the centre of all they do. They are professional, responsive and are operating at the top of their area(s) of expertise."

Legal 500

"Excellent and genuinely close-knit team, and refreshingly female-led, which is rare in the planning world. Particularly strong on major infrastructure work and provides as good a service as anywhere in the country. There is a good mix of senior and junior resources, and the project teams that I have seen have been well balanced, with good partner availability."

Legal 500
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