Douglas Armstrong QC is a member of the Planning and Environmental Law Group at No5 Barristers’ Chambers.
Douglas Armstrong’s principal areas of practice cover Planning, Environmental, Property, Local Government, Administrative, Constitutional and Licensing law. He has appeared at inquiries, hearings and challenges concerned with a wide range of matters including residential and retail development, landfill/waste, mineral, flooding, roads, infrastructure, compulsory purchase, renewable energy generation proposals, enforcement notices, listed buildings and local plans. He has represented developers, planning authorities and special interest groups. Douglas advises on Development Plan policies, large infrastructure (including roads, rail and bridge) proposals, Section 75 Agreements and Performance Bonds and Environmental law issues including contaminated land. He has appeared in the Court of Session in statutory appeals and judicial reviews. Douglas has appeared in the Supreme Court.
Douglas has advised on major public procurement and competition law issues. Douglas has appeared in relation to numerous licensing matters including a number of recent cases in relation to the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Civic Government (Scotland) Act. He has advised on Licensing policy under the 2005 Act and in relation to Taxi and Entertainment licenses. He has appeared before Licensing Boards. Douglas has advised on Rating and Valuation matters. He has advised on Core Path Plans and access rights and has appeared in the Lands Tribunal and the Land Court. Douglas has advised numerous local authorities and interested parties on Administrative, Local Government and Election law. Douglas regularly advises on Public Law Matters. He appears at Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal. He has also appeared and advised on Regulatory Crime matters.
"He has excellent oral advocacy skills."
"Handles many of the most high-profile matters and is particularly expert in renewable energy, large scale infrastructure and retail developments. He is recommended by instructing solicitors for his approach to complex contaminated land matters and for his reassuring manner. "He is very experienced and able to present complex planning arguments to the court in a structured and understandable way. He has an outstanding knowledge of all the case law."
"Acclaimed for his expertise in heavyweight matters across the infrastructure and energy fields. Sources note his impressive background in the environmental aspects of major developments. "He thinks very strategically - there's always a game plan - and he gives very pragmatic, sensible advice." "He very quickly becomes part of the team. He’s approachable, an excellent communicator and pretty damn brilliant on his feet"
"A highly experienced silk whose practice is principally focused on planning, environmental and property work. He receives regular instructions from a broad range of clients, including planning authorities, special interest groups and developers. "His thoroughness in preparation is reflected by his eloquence on his feet"
