National law firm Shoosmiths has appointed a new partner, Tim Johnson, to its planning team, based in the firm’s rapidly-growing London office.
Tim, who is recognised as a leader in his field, joins Shoosmiths from Charles Russell Speechlys where he was a partner specialising in planning law, regeneration schemes, compulsory purchase and judicial reviews, acting for developers and landowners and those promoting land with a focus on the house building industry.
Having held positions at DAC Beechcroft and Osbourne Clarke, Tim has a wealth of expertise in the development and infrastructure sector with particular experience of large scale complex residential led mixed use developments.
Some of Tim’s long standing clients include Linden Homes, Persimmon Homes, Grainger and Crest Nicholson. Recent deals that Tim has led on include securing planning permission for 2750 dwellings, two schools, business park, district centre and bypass for Persimmon Homes and Bloor Homes in Towcester, advising Crest Nicholson on numerous developments including the redevelopment of the former DERA site in Longcross (including the reported Court of Appeal case of SPLv Runnymede Borough Council, Crest Nicholson and CGNU) and advising David Wilson Homes on the re-development of vacant land at the racecourse for a residential led development and the redevelopment of the racecourse facilities.
Kirsten Hewson, head of Shoosmiths’ planning team, commented: ‘Tim brings extensive experience on all aspects of planning law and his particular expertise in residential development work, will build significantly on our existing client relationships in this sector. Our planning team has witnessed continuous growth over the last five years, with Tim’s appointment further supporting growth in this area.’
Tim Johnson added: ‘I am looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to contribute to Shoosmiths’ highly successful planning team. As well as working with its experts in planning and real estate, the draw to Shoosmiths was definitely its reputation for superb client service, which I strive for with my clients, always.’
Shoosmiths’ planning team was ranked 11th in the UK by Planning Magazine with recognition in Chambers and Legal 500 as a leading national team. The team works for industry leading clients on significant projects across the UK including Grainger PLC, IKEA, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, IM Properties, Peel, Ministry of Defence and Historic England.
