Howard Bassford

Howard Bassford focuses on obtaining planning and other regulatory approvals for major energy, infrastructure, marine and railway development projects as well as conventional projects.

He is often asked to advise on the highest-profile and most controversial development proposals. He has considerable experience in all aspects of planning, compulsory purchase and local government law. He advises regularly on industrial, retail and residential planning matters, as well as wider public law issues. Howard is regularly published and asked to comment on planning matters.

His recent roles include: lead planning lawyer on the first ever development consent order - which involved special parliamentary procedure; leading the legal team for the largest infrastructure project promoted by a public authority outside London - the Mersey Gateway bridge project; and securing significant concessions from the Government for a major industrial client in relation to HS2. Currently, Howard is promoting the largest project ever carried out by the National Grid and is advising on the world's first tidal lagoon energy project - Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay.