Law firm bolsters Leeds planning team with hire of new partner and ex-local authority planning lawyer

Law firm Ward Hadaway has strengthened its planning team in Leeds with two appointments including a former local authority planning lawyer.

The appointments include James Garbett, who joins as a partner and will be responsible for leading the planning team across the Yorkshire and North West regions.

Ward Hadaway said Garbett advises on all aspects of Town and Country Planning law including advising on planning application, appeal, and overall consenting strategies, and on the drafting and negotiation of planning obligations and related agreements.

He acts on behalf of a wide range of clients including national and regional housebuilders, registered providers, Build-to-Rent operators, landowners & land promoters, funders and investors, and local authorities and other public sector bodies.

Matthew Hills meanwhile joined Ward Hadaway in 2022 as an Associate in the planning team and specialises in all areas of contentious and non-contentious planning law. He moved from Leeds City Council.

Hills has “a wealth of experience in local authority decision-making processes, with respect to not only legal duties and principles but to local and national planning policy and relevant case law,” Ward Hadaway said. He also has experience in dealing with planning appeals.

He acts for a variety of clients in drafting and negotiating planning obligations, alongside advising on permitted development, development management and planning enforcement matters.

Kevin Sanderson, an experienced Planning Technician, has meanwhile relocated from the firm’s Newcastle office.

James Garbett said: “I’m delighted to be joining such a great team and it’s impressive to see the growth and expansion of Ward Hadaway’s Built Environment Team over the last couple of years.

“It is both an exciting and a challenging time to be working in the planning sector, and I see my mission as to help clients navigate what is an increasingly complex system."

Robin Atkin, Head of the Real Estate Team at Ward Hadaway, said: “The Built Environment Team has grown substantially over the last couple of years and as we continue to grow and secure new clients and contracts, it’s important we continue to attract and recruit high-calibre individuals to deliver an excellent service to our clients.”

“James, Matthew and Kevin are all highly experienced professionals. These three appointments demonstrate our commitment to grow and strengthen our planning service to new and existing clients.”