Chris Devlin

Chris, an accredited specialist in Planning Law, has extensive experience advising on all aspects of planning and environmental law in respect of complex development, infrastructure, housing, renewables and public sector projects across Scotland.

Chris advises both developers and public bodies on an array of planning and environmental matters, with a particular focus on the housing and energy sectors. He has experience of contentious and non-contentious cases, including in the Court of Session.

Ranked in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, Chris is recognised for his exceptional knowledge and his commercial and practical approach.

Sector experience includes:

• Advising a public authority in respect of a significant flood protection scheme (value £100m), including at the public local inquiry
• Advising on the purchase (value £800m) and then later sale (value £1.6bn) of a natural gas pipeline in the North Sea
• Advising a housing developer in a planning appeal to develop c.115 dwellings in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, including in respect of complex flood risk issues
• Negotiating complex planning agreements, including for the 1140 dwelling proposal at Brunstane, Edinburgh and for the Garden District, Edinburgh
• Advising a public body on compensation matters as they relate to scheduled monument consent under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
• Advising a public authority on minerals consents and the associated legislative requirements
• Advising a national park authority in respect of planning various planning matters, from enforcement through to governance
• Advising a land promoter in respect of a planning obligation appeal to the Scottish Ministers regarding education contributions
• Advising a renewables developer on their proposed 165MW scheme in the Western Isles, including review of environmental impact assessment and negotiation of planning agreement