Expertise

Matthew is a partner in our commercial property group, specialising in planning law. He advises developers, landowners and investors on a wide range of planning and highways law matters, predominantly on mixed use, retail and residential development schemes, and property transactions.

Matthew’s work includes negotiating planning agreements (including some complex affordable housing and viability provisions), highways agreements and licences, advising on planning applications and environmental impact assessment, planning appeals and judicial review. He also advises on all aspects of compulsory purchase law.

Recent Experience

• Advising on a challenge to a planning permission for a residential development that was successfully defeated on the grounds of lack of standing.
• Advising on the acquisition of a Grade II* listed building.
• Negotiating the planning and highways agreements for a large urban extension in Oxfordshire, and associated advice on rights of way and procurement issues.
• Acting for an investment manager on planning and highways matters relating to the redevelopment of two office buildings in the City of London.

Career History

Matthew obtained a degree in Law (LLB) from the City University, as well as a BSc in Experimental Psychology from Sussex University. He trained in local government and, after qualifying in 1997, worked for Surrey and Hertfordshire County Councils as a planning and highways solicitor. He then moved to private practice and spent 14 years with SJ Berwin/King & Wood Mallesons, where he was involved in a number of large development projects. He joined Wedlake Bell in August 2015.