Tim Smith

Partner

London

T: +44 (0) 20 3400 4359

Biography

Biography

Experienced in the full range of planning and environmental work for both public and private sector clients on schemes in England & Wales and overseas.
Has advised on all aspects of some of the most complex regeneration schemes including strategic advice over multiple phases of development, the negotiation of infrastructure and other agreements associated with the grant of planning permission, and a review and risk assessment of draft planning application documents.
Has a particular experience in contentious work including public inquiries and judicial reviews. Has advised both defendants and claimants successfully in judicial review claims at all levels of the English Courts up to and including the UK Supreme Court. Was appointed as a part-time Tribunal Judge in 2013 and as a (part-time) Deputy High Court Judge in 2019, in which capacity he decides judicial review cases in the Administrative Court and the Planning Court.
Has significant experience in major infrastructure projects including the successful promotion of applications for Development Consent Orders and in advising objectors and consultees whose sites are affected by DCO proposals. Experience includes advising on the largest DCO application to date, the expansion of Heathrow Airport.
Extensive experience of compulsory purchase orders including promoting CPOs to confirmation through a public inquiry, advising objectors to CPO applications, advising on compensation issues and references of contested cases to the Lands Tribunal for determination, and drafting and negotiating land acquisition/blight/ hardship policies for acquiring authorities.
Practice includes advice on the public realm and highways aspects of development schemes including the promotion of stopping up and pedestrianisation orders through public inquiries, traffic regulation orders, and negotiating the full suite of highway Agreements and licences.
Significant sector experience in retail, residential (including affordable housing and BTR/multi-family), offices, aviation, ports, and energy.
Member of the Law Society’s Planning & Environment Committee from 2009-2021, chairing the Committee from 2017 – 2020. Panel member of a professional disciplinary body from 2016-2022. Also serves as a Trustee/Board member of several social mobility charities.
Tim is recognized within The Best Lawyers™ UK 2025.