Richard is the head of our property litigation team.  His practice focuses on disputes concerning land and has grown to include a specialism in planning-related litigation.  

His style is clear and result-focused.  

Property litigation

Richard acts for investors, landlords, retailers and owner-managed businesses. He advises on breaches of covenant, forfeiture, dilapidations, lease termination, consent issues and rights of way. His specialisms cover:  

• Recovering possession of property for major redevelopment projects.
• Securing vesting orders at court to recover land following insolvency. 
• Applying to court to modify and vary covenants that limit the use of land.
• Challenging business rates liability.   

Planning litigation

Having acted on a number of major infrastructure projects, Richard frequently advises on contentious planning matters. This includes:  

• Judicial review applications challenging planning decisions.
• Compensation claims arising from the exercise of compulsory purchase powers and the withdrawal of permitted development rights.
• Works around highways and the upgrading of the public rights of way.  

Reported cases 

• R (Solo Retail Limited) v Torridge District Council [2019] 489 (Admin).
• Dickinson v Network Rail Infrastructure Limited [2014] UKUT 372 (LC);.
• R (Smoke Club Limited) v Network Rail Infrastructure Limited [2013] EWHC 3830 (Admin) 

Additional

Richard has been recognised in the Business Today Top 10 Real Estate Litigation Lawyers dominating North East & Yorkshire 2023.

Richard has been published in Estates Gazette and Property Law Journal and regularly delivers seminars to clients and intermediaries. 

He is a member of the Property Litigation Association (sitting on its northern committee) and the Compulsory Purchase Association.