Richard has extensive experience in local government law (as well as the related fields of planning, environment, highways and compulsory purchase law – see separate CV).
He joined No5 in 2014 having previously practised at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square, London for 20 years and Francis Taylor Building, London for 6 years.
Richard’s local government work includes advising on the scope of statutory powers (including financial), State Aid, governance, the constitution of committees (including political balance), election law, Code of Conduct issues, freedom of information, the acquisition, appropriation and disposal of land, emergency planning, urgent works notices, the provision of affordable housing, the establishment, diversion, extinguishment and protection of public rights of way, town and village greens, common land, charter and statutory markets and fairs, hackney carriage licensing, caravan site licensing and duties in relation to travellers.
He is currently representing Carlisle City Council, Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council in a High Court case brought by Cumbria County Council challenging the decision of the Secretary of State to create 2 new unitary authorities rather than a single authority for Cumbria.
He is also currently representing DB Symmetry Ltd in the Supreme Court (Swindon BC v. DB Symmetry Ltd and Secretary of State - whether a planning condition does and can require a landowner to dedicate a right of way to the public).
Recommendations
Ranked as a leading silk in Planning and Environment.
Legal 500 2023
“I find Richard an extremely approachable individual who is open to discuss both the positives and negatives of arguing potential points upon which might have an influence on the outcome. Richard’s wide range of instantly recallable planning knowledge is extremely helpful and he communicates this complex knowledge in clear language which is easy for all to understand.”
Legal 500 2022 - Planning and Environment (Midlands)
Ranked as a leading silk in Planning and Environment.
Legal 500 2022 - Planning and Environment (London)
Appointments
Bencher, Inner
Temple
Memberships
PEBA
ALBA
Qualifications
LLB (Nottingham)
LLM (Cambridge)
Other Information
Richard has contributed to the following publications:
Contributor, Halsbury’s Laws (Local Government) (2001);
A former editor of Crown Office Digest;
Contributor to Anti-Social Behaviour Law (publ. Jordans);
Contributor to RICS online guidance.
Richard was elected a Governor and Trustee of the English Speaking Union (a charity which promotes oracy) in 2021.