Chambers & Partners 2008
Real Estate



Cheltenham

Real Estate

Peers note that this "impressive and sound" set-up has a strong presence in the South West, in addition to offices in Cheltenham and London. The group has advised on numerous large-scale, complex transactions in the past year, supported by specialist planning, property litigation and construction teams. Development and investment work has made up most of the workload, for regional and national clients. The group has also worked on a stream of residential development work, with the team acting for house builders and residential investment funds. A further area of expertise is Self-Invested Personal Pension-related work and the establishment of property purchasing funds.

Ian Brothwood is a "sound lawyer who gets on with the job." He specialises in commercial investment property, secured lending and general landlord and tenant work as well as telecoms work. Market observers have great respect for Geoffrey Jordan, who they describe as "a real gentleman and a pleasure to deal with." Peers also praise the talented head of the Cheltenham real estate group, Nigel Morton: "You cannot knock Nigel Morton's technical legal skills." He advises on conveyancing, residential property investments, secured lending and landlord and tenant matters.

Clients/Work Highlights: Schroders Property Investment Management; Vodafone; Nationwide Building Society; Bridge Residential Partnership and James Hay Pension Trustees.

Ian Brothwood is ranked in tier 3 of 4 as a leading individual.
Geoffrey Jordan is ranked in tier 4 of 4 as a leading individual.
Nigel Morton is ranked in tier 4 of 4 as a leading individual.


Planning

Clients describe this "quick, responsive and commercial" player as "dedicated to finding practical solutions and giving clear advice." The team advises landowners, developers and local authorities on mixed-use and housing developments as well as on regeneration schemes and CPOs. On the contentious side, expertise is provided in High Court challenges, appeals and enforcement issues. This year it acted for Industrial Sales in a High Court challenge regarding the adoption of Cheltenham Borough Local Plan Redeposit Draft. The practice also works closely with the firm's real estate, property litigation and construction departments.


Guildford

Real Estate

This well-regarded national player offers City expertise at regional hourly rates and is praised by clients for being "responsive, always contactable and delivering the right advice at the right time." The recently formed regeneration team has acted on high-profile matters, including ongoing advice to Guildford Borough Council on the Friary Shopping Centre extension scheme. It is also acting for General Practice Group on its site acquisition and subsequent medical health centre development at Burgess Hill. In addition, the real estate team provides property support in corporate sales and purchases of pharmacies. Clients include Berkeley Homes; Alphameric; RCN and ntl:Telewest. Rory Fordyce is head of department here.