David trained and qualified as a solicitor at DLA in 2010, where he gained exposure to some of the North’s most significant regeneration and infrastructure projects. Prior to joining Town, he spent 6 years at Shoosmiths where he developed the firm’s BNG offering and became responsible for the national team’s CPO workstream. With over 15 years’ experience, he acts for a range of both public and private sector clients on all aspects of planning law, with particular expertise in advising on the assembly of sites for infrastructure and regen projects, leading multi-disciplinary teams through all stages of the planning and infrastructure consents process.

Experience:

Hounslow Council

Advising on the estate regeneration scheme at Charlton House and Albany House in Brentford, delivering 209 new 100% affordable homes. CPO successfully confirmed by the Secretary of State in March 2024 and now dealing with vesting and compensation.

Keepmoat Homes

Providing planning due diligence support on the £700 million acquisition of the UK’s seventh-largest housebuilder by Aermont Capital, a leading partnership housebuilder constructing circa 4,000 affordable homes per year across nine regional businesses.

WUKPG

Advising on planning strategy and negotiating section 106 agreements for a developer with a growing portfolio of 10+ sites at varying stages of the planning process, including securing consent on appeal for a 200-bed PBSA scheme in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

Land Trust

Advising this charity on all aspects of biodiversity net gain including drafting their first suite of conservation covenants and BNG allocation agreements.

Calderdale Council

Advising on the planning application and CPO/other highway orders necessary to deliver the A641 Improvement Scheme, a key infrastructure project funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority improving connectivity between Bradford and Kirklees via Brighouse with junction improvements, new cycleways and sustainable transport measures.

National Highways and Walsall Council

Advising on the £78 million M6 Junction 10 improvement scheme in Walsall, a joint venture between National Highways and Walsall Council replacing two motorway bridges and upgrading the junction to ease congestion. CPO confirmed by the Secretary of State in July 2019 following public inquiry, scheme completed in March 2024.

Outpost Management

Advising on the acquisition and ongoing management of Enclave: Croydon, a 50-storey, 817-unit co-living tower at College Road. Europe’s tallest volumetric building and the first co-living asset class approved by the GLA under the London Plan, featuring seven floors of amenity space including Sky Garden, spa, gym and co-working facilities.