Planning expert takes up permanent residence in Sheffield

DLA Piper has further strengthened its real estate offering with the appointment of planning lawyer Michael Pocock to its Sheffield office.

Michael, who has been working between the Manchester and Sheffield offices of the local law firm for the last two years is now permanently based in Sheffield in response to a continuing demand for specialist planning advice to service the firm's Sheffield clients, which include Sheffield City Council, Lafarge, Corus UK Limited, National Express Group and J F Finnegan Limited.

Working for both public and private sector clients on issues including; complex planning applications and appeals, compulsory purchase orders, highways issues and judicial reviews, Michael has developed a strong reputation in the region, advising on high profile regeneration schemes including the planning agreements for the £300 million redevelopment at Chesterfield Waterside.

Michael believes his permanent appointment to the Sheffield office reflects demand in the city for high quality planning advice from a locally based specialist. He comments; "I have been working with the real estate team in Sheffield for a number of years now, so have seen a variety of trends in the local economy and understand the dynamics of the real estate market.

"Despite the economic downturn there has been an increased demand for planning advice over the last six months in particular, which suggests that developers are now focussing on progressing schemes that were previously shelved due to lack of funding, or focussing on new projects entirely.

"The challenge for developers now, is that despite the recession the Government has continued to make changes to the planning system which means that aspects of the planning regime will be unfamiliar to those reentering the market. For instance, as recently as two weeks ago the Government introduced the Community Infrastructure Regulations 2010, which permit local authorities to introduce a new community infrastructure levy on developments. Whilst indications are that there is unlikely to be a high take up of the new levy by local authorities - at least in the foreseeable future - its implications will still need to be fully understood and taken into account in contract negotiations.

Now more so than ever good quality planning expertise at the beginning of any project can make the difference to the final viability and success of development schemes. I am looking forward to working with the firm's clients to overcome the challenges that a constantly changing planning regime brings."

For further information, contact DLA Piper on 08700 111111 or visit www.dlapiper.com  
 

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