Tim practices in planning, environmental and administrative law, including judicial review. He acts for local authorities, developers and residents’ associations. Tim represents clients in the Court of Appeal, the High Court and at planning and related appeals. He has experience of major public inquiries and multi-party appeals. Tim undertakes Direct Professional Access and Pro Bono work and is also trained as a Mediator.
He has advised and represented clients in the following:
Planning and other Appeals - residential, employment, green belt, listed buildings and conservation areas, AONBs, nature conservation, residential amenity and renewable energy development
Environment - proceedings under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, statutory nuisance, abatement notice appeals
Enforcement - injunctions, enforcement notice appeals, prosecutions
Judicial Review and Statutory Review- challenging and defending local authority and other Government decisions.
Tim has been rated as: “an exceptional advocate who consistently delivers. He’s very approachable and puts witnesses at ease” (Chambers UK 2018); “a great advocate, very measured, not overly dramatic but appropriately assertive” (Chambers UK 2017) and “excellent in his cross-examination and in his summation of the issues in a case” (Chambers UK 2016).
Tim is a regular speaker at Chambers’ and other events and has appeared on TV and Radio in his professional capacity.
Recommendations
“Tim Sheppard is excellent. His secret weapon is that he’s charming, which disarms witnesses in cross-examination.”
Chambers UK 2023 - Employment
“Personable with clients and doesn’t blind them with the law – speedy responses and an excellent advocate in hearing, virtually and in person.”
Legal 500 2023 - Employment
“Tim is calm, collected and patient. He is able to identify the key legal issues and make succinct and persuasive submissions.” “He has a real way of digging into complex matters and making them seem really simple. He immediately gets to the heart of what the case is about, where the problems might be and how to deal with them.”
Chambers UK 2022 - Employment
“He is able to immediately get to the heart of the matter and the client’s concerns. He is technically fantastic, and it seems as though he is never fazed no matter how complex the matter or how challenging the opponent.”
Legal 500 UK 2022 - Employment
“Great with clients, very well-prepared, he knows the case inside out.”
Legal 500 UK 2021 - Employment
“He is agile and quick-thinking.” “An excellent advocate and a pleasure to work with. He has vast experience with public sector clients which he draws on for each matter we work on. He is detailed and always knows the papers inside and out.” “He delivers arguments with an air of politeness and decorum that brings around both judges and the opposition.”
Chambers UK 2021 - Employment
“He is easy to work with and has a natural rapport with clients. He carries out detailed analysis and has a strong understanding of the legal issues.” “He has good judgement and a forensic style.”
Chambers UK 2020
“A good advocate who has an excellent manner with clients.”
Legal 500 2020
Notable Cases
R (OAO Harvey) v Mendip District Council [2017] EWCA Civ 1784:
Instructed by the DC in Judicial Review proceedings, which centred on the correct interpretation of planning policy.
APP/G2435/W/16/3150237
Instructed by North West Leicestershire District Council in successful defence of appeal against the refusal of an application for up to 216 homes in a green wedge.
BFP Developments LLP v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and ors CO/1890/2015
Instructed in successful challenge to decision of Secretary of State to dismiss appeal in relation to an application for up to 126 dwellings and associated infrastructure.
APP/Q3305/A/14/2227407
Instructed by Mendip District Council to resist appeal by Aggregate Industries Ltd against refusal to grant planning permission for the erection of a wind farm comprising 4 wind turbines and associated infrastructure.
APP/L1765/X/13/2202029
Instructed by Turners (Brittania Parks) Ltd in successful appeal against refusal of Winchester City Council to grant lawful development certificate for use of land for sitting of caravans.
APP/J0405/A/12/2189378
Instructed by Hallam Land Management Ltd and lead by Ian Dove Q.C. (as he was) in relation to appeal against refusal by Aylesbury Vale District Council to grant planning permission for B1 employment development, up to 120 new homes and a park and ride facility.
APP/G2435/C/11/2154495
Instructed by West Leicestershire District Council in successful defence of enforcement notice at appeal, which related to a material change of use of agricultural land.
Derbyshire Wind Energy Limited v North East Derbyshire D C and Derbyshire Dales DC [2010] P.A.D. 32
Heritage property; Landscape; Living conditions; Noise; Planning permission; Renewable Energy; Wildlife; Wind Farms. Ran successful noise and wildlife arguments on behalf of the local residents’ group.
The BARD Campaign and David Bliss and Secretary of State for the Communities and Local Government and WESTON FRONT [2009] EWHC 308 Admin
High Court challenge to Government’s Eco-Town proposals. Instructed by Interested Party, obtained Protective Costs Award.
APP/F1040/A/06/2028732
Instructed by Miller Homes Ltd, David Wilson Homes Ltd and Taylor Woodrow Developments Ltd and lead by Ian Dove Q.C. in relation to successful appeal into 1200 housing unit development at Highfields Farm, South of Derby. Part of 5 conjoined appeals.
Memberships
Tim is a member of the Planning and Environmental Bar Association and the Employment Law Bar Association
Qualifications
LLM (Public Law)
U.C.L
BSc (Hons) Geography, University of Edinburgh
