Planning law needs clarity to address the housing shortage

The drive to commoditise property work, both before, and following, the Legal Services Act 2007.

This is welcome as we seek to make the sector more efficient for clients and more marketable to outside investors.

What law would you like to see changed?

Planning law is under constant review but as an island nation with a large population, the law needs to adapt to ensure clarity for all stakeholders as we need to address the housing shortage.

What is the most exciting work you’ve ever done?

Each case offers its own exciting challenges but I was involved with the Clarence Dock development in Leeds (now New Dock) which was interesting work early in my career.

This development involved a complex ownership structure at a multi-use site and resulted in an intense period of negotiations with blue-chip tenants. I have also recently helped to manage the redevelopment, and letting, of a large office block and it is rewarding to see this process from start to finish.

Who in the legal world do you most admire?

Although difficult to choose one person, and I have ignored the fact that he has retired from practice, I would say Neil Mclean CBE for his work at DLA where I trained. As managing partner Neil was central to navigating the Leeds office through a period of huge growth and change.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the (legal) profession?

The industry is undergoing fundamental change and having the desire to adapt to new opportunities will be vital.