"Eugene O’Keeffe’s team at Memery Crystal LLP is particularly known for its retail expertise, where it acts for clients such as Asda and Debenhams. Nicola Kravitz advised Sapcote Developments on the £34m sale of its Power Road Studios to Helical Bar."
The Legal 500 UK - 2016Planning: There’s knowledge. And there’s practical knowledge
At a glance
Our planning team has a great deal of practical knowledge, including a partner who was formerly Chairman of a major London planning authority. This enhances our understanding of planning issues affecting acquisitions and disposals, including who best to talk to, and when. It’s a benefit we’re quick to turn to your advantage.
Your team
Alastair MossPartner, Co-Head of Real Estate
Matthew LindsayPartner, Head of Banking & Finance
Eugene O’KeeffeGeneral Counsel
Sophie MoonshineTrainee Solicitor
In detail
Dealing with planning can seem like aiming at a moving target. Any development may have many interested parties – councils, shopkeepers, landowners, schools – that need to be collaborated with. In addition, of course, to all the many and varied planning regulations.
Knowing what’s relevant, who has most influence and how best to manage the situation comes naturally to our team. We’re used to dealing with all types of planning agreements, highway agreements, compulsory purchase orders and other contentious and non-contentious matters. They frequently take time, and definitely require patience and determination. Qualities we regularly put to good use, as our many satisfied clients will confirm.
Recent matters
Advised on the £15m purchase of an existing London hotel for redevelopment as an 85 bed apart-hotel with an estimated GDV of £30m.
Representing the purchasers of a 250,000 square feet property redevelopment site in London
Advised on the purchase of a brownfield site near to London Luton Airport with planning for major regeneration scheme (GDV – 150m+).
Advising on the site acquisition and subsequent redevelopment of land in Southwark for a large mixed-use development.
Acted as lead assistant to UK market leader in Garden Centres.
Advised a developer on the planning and rights of light aspects to a new residential tower on the South Bank.
Acted for a long-standing client in the proposed development of a site in the City fringe for 200 new homes.
Advised on the acquisition of an office block for the purpose of redeveloping the building into 45 studio flats pursuant to permitted development rights, together with advising on and attending to the subsequent section 106 agreement, substation lease and way leave agreements.