Simon specialises in planning law issues in relation to major mixed-use development schemes across England. Before co-founding Town, he was head of planning and environmental law first at SJ Berwin and then King & Wood Mallesons. He has been ranked as the country’s most highly rated planning solicitor for the last fifteen years running in Planning magazine’s annual survey. He is author of the Simonicity planning law blog.
Experience:
British Land
Advising on all planning law aspects of British Land’s recently completed Norton Folgate project in Shoreditch, a 330,000 sq ft mixed use scheme approved by the Mayor of London following call-in. The work included successfully resisting a legal challenge.
Oxford University Development
Advising a joint venture between the University of Oxford and Legal & General on all planning law aspects of the proposed Begbroke Innovation District project north of Oxford, comprising around 1,800 new homes, half of them affordable, and up to 155,000 sq m of flexible research space, together with schools and open space. The project secured resolution to grant from Cherwell District Council in September 2024.
Waterbeach Development Company LLP
Advising a joint venture between Royal London and Turnstone Estates on all planning law aspects of the Waterbeach New Town East project, comprising 4,500 homes and associated development. The project secured outline planning permission in December 2024.
Stansted Airport
Advising Manchester Airport Group on its successful planning appeal in 2021 against Uttlesford District Council’s refusal (contrary to officers’ recommendations) of its proposal to increase its passenger cap from 35 to 43 million a year to secure an increased Increase in passenger numbers. The work included securing a full award of costs and successfully resisting a legal challenge.
London Eye
Advising Merlin Entertainments on all planning law aspects of its successful application for permanent retention of the London Eye, approved by the London Borough of Lambeth in May 2024.
Worcestershire Parkway
Advising Summix and Homes England on the promotion of Worcestershire Parkway as a new settlement of up to around 10,000 homes and associated development, in the context of the emerging South Worcestershire local plan
Quinn Estates
Advising Quinn Estates on its called in applications for planning permission for Highsted Park, Sittingbourne, a project comprising approximately 8,400 homes and associated development. A public inquiry commences in March 2025.