Gateley Legal expands South East planning team with new duo

We have expanded our planning team in the South East with two new hires. Karen Howard joins as a partner in our London office and Amanda Brodie has been appointed as a senior associate within the Guildford team.

Karen joins Gateley Legal following previous roles with DLA Piper and Shoosmiths. She brings 40 years of experience to the team advising private developers, the public sector and local authorities on a broad range of planning matters. Karen also has particular expertise in large-scale property development, as well as acquisitions and development agreements for major regeneration sites. Alongside client matters, Karen will provide support to the property lawyers within the wider Group, including the specialist residential development team, as well as its complementary business consultancies.

Prior to joining Gateley Legal, Amanda held positions at Russell-Cooke Solicitors and DAC Beachcroft. Her experience has seen her advise on all aspects of planning law and act for a wide range of clients including private developers, charities and national housebuilders, as well as Build to Rent (BTR) and co-living providers. Amanda will help broaden the whole range of instructions in the living sector with a focus on large scale projects, working closely alongside legal director Keith Lancaster in Guildford.

Both appointments form part of strategic plans to bolster the South East planning team and strengthen the service offering for its rapidly growing client base.

Andrew Piatt, partner and national head of planning at Gateley Legal, comments: “Our planning team has seen a significant increase in instructions across the South East, so we have continued to expand and develop our London and Guildford teams with two key appointments.

“Karen brings a wealth of experience to further our presence within the dynamic London market, which is buzzing with development activity and has an abundance of opportunities. Working closely with Keith and the Guildford team, Amanda will play a pivotal role in expanding our footprint across the wider South East area.”

Gateley Legal advises a wide range of clients on all aspects of planning work including residential development and infrastructure projects, public highways and compulsory purchase and compensation. The team operates from offices located in Birmingham, Guildford, London, Manchester and Nottingham.