Lester Aldridge has been ranked joint 15th in Planning magazine’s list of the highest-rated planning law firms in the country for 2025, alongside leading City law firms.
The recognition comes as part of Planning magazine’s annual Planning Law Survey, a comprehensive review of the UK’s most highly regarded planning solicitors and barristers, law firms, and local authority legal departments. The survey is based on recommendations from a wide range of industry professionals, including developers, local authorities, and planning consultants.
This marks a continued rise in recognition for our firm, having been ranked 20th in the 2023 survey.
In addition, Matt Gilks, Partner in our Planning, Environment & Infrastructure team (pictured), has been individually ranked 11th among the UK’s highest-rated planning solicitors in private practice—a significant individual achievement.
Matt Gilks said:
“I’m delighted to be recognised in this year’s Planning Law Survey. It’s a reflection of the excellent relationships we’ve built with clients and the increasingly complex work the team undertakes. The legal landscape around planning and environment is evolving quickly, and I’m proud that Lester Aldridge’s Planning, Environment and Infrastructure team continues to be recognised nationally for its expertise and client-focused approach. We would like to thank all our clients and referrers who took the time to complete the survey.”
Matt advises on all aspects of planning and environmental law, including planning applications and appeals, enforcement, judicial review, and development consent orders. His experience spans residential, commercial, and heritage developments, as well as minerals and waste, and major infrastructure projects.
Our Planning, Environment & Infrastructure team is known for delivering practical, commercially focused advice to developer and landowner clients across a wide variety of sectors. The team is also recommended in the leading legal directories, Chambers UK and The Legal 500.
We’d like to thank Planning magazine for its work in compiling the annual survey and for continuing to highlight excellence in the planning legal sector.
This latest recognition further strengthens our national reputation for quality, insight, and trusted advice in a complex and fast-evolving area of law.
