Land use planning is arguably the key in unlocking the potential of a development: no approval; no development. From our earliest days, it has been in our blood - Lewis Silkin, the firm's founder, pioneered the modern planning system. Building on this foundation, we combine practical know-how with an appreciation of the underlying issues.

We work for both developers and public authorities, negotiating complex planning agreements that incorporate a range of mixed-use requirements, from affordable housing through to new schools, infrastructure and public open space.

Our approach is to understand what makes the system tick, to appreciate the legal, political, environmental and commercial drivers in order to make the most of the opportunity. We understand what can hold back a development that's bogged down in the planning process, how to unblock the opportunity, and how to avoid the obstacles in the first place.