About
Douglas joined the Planning and Compulsory Purchase team in October 2021. With extensive experience advising both public and private sector clients across the energy, transport and water sectors, he has developed a strong expertise in navigating complex planning and legal matters.
He plays a leading role in the promotion of nationally significant infrastructure projects, offering strategic advice and advocacy throughout all stages of the process, particularly during examination.
Douglas provides comprehensive support on a wide range of planning and compulsory purchase issues, including planning and highways agreements, assets of community value, biodiversity net gain, and nutrient neutrality.
He works for a range of water undertakers, and regularly acts for Severn Trent Water on the promotion of their sustainable drainage system and flood alleviation schemes.
Experience
- National Highways: Provided advice and support for the promotion of the M3 Junction 9 Development Consent Order (DCO) application and supported National Highways on securing a DCO which was granted without judicial review challenge.
- Gloucestershire County Council: Led on the legal and planning strategy for the promotion of the M5 Junction 10 DCO, designed to unlock land for new housing development, improve local connectivity, and support regional growth.
- Severn Trent Water: Led on strategic legal advice for the mass installation of sustainable drainage systems in the public highway for Mansfield Green Recovery Scheme.
- Private equity investors: Provide planning expertise in relation to the acquisition, or disposal of energy assets including in solar and wind ensuring compliance with planning and environmental regulations.
- Planning appeals: Provides advice on the preparation of planning appeals, and has a record of securing successful outcomes.
- Advising on biodiversity net gain (BNG) and nutrient neutrality: Has extensive experience advising on BNG providing strategic guidance on the implementation of this regime.
Credentials
- Admitted as a solicitor: England & Wales (2021), Northern Ireland (2023)