DWF expands planning team with new hires

DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, has made significant strides in its planning department by appointing Stephen Webb as a partner and the new head of its national planning team, alongside legal director Rachael Coulsting and solicitors Francesca Dykes and Catherine Losty. With over 35 years of experience in planning and planning law, Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm. His dual qualifications as a planner and solicitor enable him to provide comprehensive advice to developers, local authorities, investors, landowners, and individuals across a myriad of planning matters.

Stephen's areas of practice include town and country planning law, highways, compulsory purchase, the Transport and Works Act Orders, judicial review, and major development projects. His extensive career is marked by his involvement in several high-profile and complex developments, along with senior leadership roles at renowned firms such as Dentons, SJ Berwin, and Clyde & Co. Furthermore, he has chaired the City of London Law Society Planning and Environmental Law Committee and holds membership in the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Operating out of DWF's Leeds and London offices, Stephen's appointment follows the recent expansion of the firm's planning team. Rachael joins DWF from Shakespeare Martineau and has a strong background with previous roles at Shoosmiths and Eversheds Sutherland. Francesca and Catherine have respectively joined the firm's London and Belfast offices, further strengthening their legal capabilities.

Commenting on his new role, Stephen expressed enthusiasm: “I am delighted to be joining DWF. The firm has a strong client base, an ambitious real estate practice and provides a significant opportunity to grow its profile in the planning market. I am looking forward to working with colleagues across the firm to support existing clients, strengthen the planning team and help drive its future growth.” Melanie Williams, global head of real estate at DWF, echoed this sentiment and stated: “Stephen is a highly respected planning lawyer with an exceptional breadth of experience across public and private sector work. His deep market knowledge, leadership experience and strong client relationships will be a tremendous asset to our real estate team as we continue to grow our planning capability. We are very pleased to welcome him and our other new planning lawyers to DWF.”