David is an experienced planning lawyer with particular expertise in residential, mixed-use, office and leisure projects in London and the South East. He advises on a strategic and detailed basis on all types of planning applications and appeals; the negotiation of planning and highways agreements; managing court challenges; and advising on blight and compulsory purchase issues.
David has a proven track record in obtaining valuable planning permissions, securing costs awards, advising on environmental statements, and resisting village green applications.
Expertise
David advises developers, landowners and public bodies on planning strategy and development opportunities, preparing and managing planning applications, appeals and legal agreements, and advising on CIL liabilities and policy representations.
Experience
Secured on appeal permission to erect 37 high-value residential units next to a Royal Park without any affordable housing contribution. The decision is a text-book example of the role of viability in planning.
Negotiated and settled planning agreements relating to the provision of a total of 80 affordable housing units in sites in Hammersmith & Fulham and Hackney. The innovative schemes provide affordable housing in perpetuity without recourse to any public subsidy.
Advised on the planning law issues arising in respect of the conversion and extension of a landmark listed building in central London into a 99-bedroom hotel and museum.
Negotiated the planning agreements relating to the £40 million re-development of a listed building into London’s largest casino.
Led a project seeking the conversion, renovation and extension of a workshop complex in Primrose Hill into a mixed-use scheme, comprising a single large-scale dwelling house and offices. Advising on all planning aspects of the project, including the drafting and negotiation of the planning agreement.
Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.
Recognition
Recognised by The Legal 500 for Real Estate: Planning 2023
Recognised by The Legal 500 for Planning 2015-2017
Joint author of ‘A Practical Guide To Permitted Changes of Use (4th ed)’
David qualified as a solicitor in 2006. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2014, he worked at Geoffrey Searle Planning Solicitors.
