Matthew advises developers, landowners and investors on a wide range of planning and highways law matters, predominantly on residential and mixed-use development schemes and property transactions.
Matthew’s work includes negotiating complex planning agreements, highways agreements and licences, as well as advising on planning applications, environmental impact assessments, planning appeals and judicial reviews. He also advises on all aspects of compulsory purchase law, the Community Infrastructure Levy and planning enforcement matters.
Experience
Advising on planning strategy, ‘hillside’ risks and amendments to an agreement under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 relating to a large residential scheme in Berkshire.
Negotiating section 106 agreements and undertakings in connection with two successful planning appeals in the ‘grey belt’.
Negotiating the development agreement for a large residential scheme in Brent Cross.
Advising on works required to implement two planning permissions and obtaining certificates of lawfulness to confirm that the permissions remain extant.
Providing planning advice and negotiating section 106 agreements for a large retail and leisure development in Colchester.
Endorsements
Matthew is a member of the Compulsory Purchase Association.
Matthew's insights
Article
Jan 20, 2026
Termination clauses: start as you mean to finish
What happened? The Seller, Henley Developments, obtained outline planning permission for a residential development site in Ebbsfleet, Kent and exchanged contracts to sell one of the development parcels to Weston Homes for £14,500,000. Weston Homes paid a 5% deposit on
A reminder of the scope of section 73 applications
The recent case of Armstrong v Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities [2023] EWHC 176 (Admin) has further clarified the scope of section 73 applications, rejecting the notion that they can only be used to secure ‘minor
